Trump speaking with Putin on the call.
In the ongoing efforts to bring peace to Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump has paused consultations with European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as he seeks a direct dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The latest developments in the peace talks involve U.S.-led efforts to facilitate a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelensky. While Zelensky supports the meeting, Putin has so far avoided committing to it. Trump's frustration with Putin's inaction and the continued Russian strikes on Ukraine has led him to indicate he might take further unspecified actions if the direct meeting does not happen soon.
U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg has been actively engaged with Zelensky in Kyiv, discussing preparations for the possible Putin-Zelensky meeting and emphasizing the need for concrete, legally binding security guarantees for Ukraine. These discussions include the American and European diplomatic channels working towards such guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression.
Zelensky, who is committed to pushing Russia towards peace, seeks continuing financial and military aid from allies to sustain Ukraine’s defense capabilities. He aims for about $1 billion monthly, regarding a direct meeting with Putin as the most effective way to end the conflict.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that Ukraine has been using its own missiles independently of U.S. approval, in contrast to earlier restrictions on long-range strikes into Russian territory.
The peace talks also include German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, making it a multilateral meeting involving European leaders and the Ukrainian President. An EU diplomat confirmed to Reuters that Trump wants to speak with Putin before the meeting. Trump has also announced his intention to speak with Putin after the meeting.
The situation remains tense with continued Russian strikes despite these diplomatic efforts. As the peace talks continue, the international community watches with bated breath, hoping for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
[1] Reuters. (2025, August). U.S. Special Envoy Kellogg Discusses Security Guarantees with Zelensky. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-special-envoy-kellogg-discusses-security-guarantees-zelensky-2025-08-01
[2] CNN. (2025, August). Zelensky Seeks Billions in Aid as He Pushes for Direct Meeting with Putin. [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/world/europe/zelensky-seeks-billions-in-aid-as-he-pushes-for-direct-meeting-with-putin-2025-08-02
- The European Union, in hopes of aiding peace in Ukraine, has been actively involved in the discussions for security guarantees and prevention of future Russian aggression.
- As the multilateral peace talks progress, European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, are working collaboratively with the Ukrainian President to help bring a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
