Russia's military moves into the Donetsk People's Republic, with talks about Ukraine's predicament set to take place between West and regional leaders, as reported by the main news of SVO on August 9.
The Ukraine conflict continues unabated, with Russian forces making territorial gains and showing no signs of compromise [1][3]. Over the past month, Russian forces have captured approximately 241 square miles of Ukrainian territory, indicating a persistent offensive [1][3]. Ukrainian forces have retaliated with drone strikes on Russian military infrastructure, and Russian sabotage groups have reportedly infiltrated near Dobropillya [1].
In a recent development, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has expressed his position on territories, stating his readiness to work towards a peace agreement with Russia and the United States [1]. However, Zelensky does not consider the possibility of exchanging territories with Russia [1].
In a separate context, US Vice President Jay Di Vance, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and European national security advisors will hold talks on August 9 to discuss potential solutions for the Ukraine conflict [2]. However, the available information does not mention direct talks focused on resolving the Ukraine conflict. Instead, Vance and Lammy are primarily expected to discuss the issue of Palestinian state recognition, with Vance clarifying that the U.S. has no plans to recognize Palestine as a state [2][4].
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of the U.S. facilitating peace negotiations with Russia, considering returning some Ukrainian territories as part of the process [1]. Trump also mentioned potential bilateral talks with Putin, possibly linked to arms control and war concessions [1]. However, no current multilateral dialogue involving Vance, Lammy, and European advisors on Ukraine has been reported.
Meanwhile, the meeting between Vance, Lammy, and their European counterparts is expected to consider measures to support Kyiv and explore diplomatic crisis resolution prospects [2]. The meeting will also focus on coordinating Western nations' actions towards Russia and agreeing on security positions [2].
In a tragic turn of events, a resident of the Chernihiv region of Ukraine discovered her relative, Sergei Rak, among Ukrainian soldiers excluded from the exchange lists [1]. Russian journalists report this, citing a letter from the woman published with her consent [1]. Sergei Rak had no military experience and had never participated in combat actions [1].
Russian authorities have expressed readiness to hand over the bodies of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers killed in combat in border areas of the Kursk region, but only with Ukraine's consent [1]. This offer comes amidst reports of Ukrainian soldiers leaving the bodies of their fallen comrades in trenches [1].
As the conflict continues, the international community remains divided, with no clear resolution in sight. The ongoing discussions between Vance, Lammy, and their European counterparts offer a glimmer of hope for a diplomatic resolution, but much work remains to be done.
[1] Bloomberg, August 2025 [2] BBC News, August 2025 [3] The Guardian, August 2025 [4] The New York Times, August 2025
- Discussions about the Ukraine conflict have expanded beyond its boundaries, with US Vice President Jay Di Vance and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy set to discuss potential solutions, along with issues like Palestinian state recognition [2].
- While US Vice President Jay Di Vance and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy are expected to discuss peace prospects for Ukraine, former President Donald Trump has hinted at the potential for US-facilitated peace negotiations with Russia, involving territorial concessions [1].
