Zelensky and Macron held a conversation about potential encounter with Putin in August
In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, a potential meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains uncertain. As of August 12, 2025, President Zelensky has stated that Putin is preparing for new offensive military operations rather than peace talks, indicating a lack of readiness for direct negotiations [1].
The White House has considered inviting Zelensky to join a meeting in Alaska where U.S. President Donald Trump plans to meet Putin, but it is unclear if Zelensky will participate [3]. The conditions for such a meeting appear highly contested, with Russia demanding territorial concessions from Ukraine and military restrictions, which Ukraine rejects, refusing to cede territory or curtail NATO ambitions [1].
The absence of Zelensky from recent Trump-Putin talks has been noted as troubling since Ukraine controls a significant part of the contested Donetsk region, making any territorial concessions unprecedented [2]. The situation remains fluid, with current rhetoric and military preparations suggesting peace talks are not imminent [1][2][3].
Meanwhile, France has shown its support for Ukraine. President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed France's continued support for Kyiv and has stated that France will intensify pressure on Russia [4]. Discussions have been held regarding the strengthening of military support from France, including the potential supply of additional missiles for SAMP/T and Crotale air defense systems, and the production of Ukrainian drones [5].
Macron has also emphasized the importance of effective anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine, and Zelensky has assured that Ukraine's anti-corruption infrastructure is "fully functioning" [6]. Kyiv and Paris have agreed to jointly explore ways to open the first negotiating cluster for Ukraine's European integration [7].
However, a direct Putin-Zelensky meeting is unlikely to happen by the end of August [8]. Macron has stated that Russia must agree to a ceasefire for talks on a lasting and long-term peace with European involvement [9]. The meeting is expected to include representatives from Europe [10].
As the situation continues to unfold, both sides are under pressure to soften their stances and find a resolution that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The future of the Donetsk region and the relationship between Russia and Ukraine hangs in the balance.
- Amidst the ongoing news about war-and-conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, and despite the potential meeting between Presidents Putin and Zelensky being uncertain, there have been discussions about U.S. policy-and-legislation, specifically, talks regarding inviting Zelensky to join a meeting with President Trump in Alaska.
- As the conflict continues, politics surrounding the situation have led to disagreements over territorial concessions and military restrictions, with Ukraine's general-news coverage showing the absence of Zelensky from recent Trump-Putin talks as a point of concern, since Ukraine controls a significant part of the contested Donetsk region.
