President Donald Trump has ruled out the deployment of U.S. troops to Ukraine for security guarantees, as part of a peace deal to end Russia’s ongoing war on the country. Air support still remains a possibility.
Following the president’s Monday summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and key European leaders at the White House to discuss peace initiatives, a direct meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky is now being arranged. A subsequent trilateral meeting involving Trump also planned.
He told conservative radio host Mark Levin it would be “better if they met without me,” initially.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated Trump's commitment to direct diplomacy between the warring nations and defended the president’s call with Putin during the gathering of European leaders, saying that they had appreciated the readout on Russia's perspective. Attacks on Ukraine continued hours after the White House summit.
Switzerland has expressed its willingness to host peace talks, confirming that Putin would be granted immunity if he were to attend, despite the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for him.
President Trump has canceled his August vacation at his Bedminster golf club to accommodate the ongoing peace discussions between Ukraine and Russia.
Trump broke off his meetings with Europe’s leaders to call his friend in the Kremlin... why?
This was worse than the last time Trump met Zelensky. It was also deeply weird
Trump caught on hot mic saying he thinks Putin ‘wants to make a deal for me – as crazy as it sounds’
UK preparing to send troops to Ukraine as part of ‘reassurance force’ if peace deal is struck
Ukraine-Russia latest: Key points
- ANALYSIS: The White House just watered down only concession Trump won from Putin — Ukraine security
- Bessent claims Trump had Putin 'on his heels' and Europeans came to DC out of 'deference' not flattery
- Trump believes 'it would be better' for Putin and Zelensky to meet first without him
- Chairman of Joint Chiefs to host counterparts for Ukraine security meeting
- Trump cancels August vacation at New Jersey golf club to work on Russia-Ukraine
- Russia pounds Ukraine with largest aerial bombardment in a month hours after Trump-Zelensky meeting
ANALYSIS: This was worse than the last time Trump met Zelensky. It was also deeply weird
04:00 , Oliver O'ConnellHolly Baxter writes:
After Friday’s red carpet love-in with Russian president Vladimir Putin, President Trump sat down with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky today at the Oval Office to talk peace and the world hoped it would go better than the last White House meeting between the U.S. and Ukraine.
Before meeting with Zelensky, or any other world leaders in town for the event, Trump was already telling reporters that peace could come “almost immediately” if Zelensky ditched NATO and gifted Putin Crimea - the diplomatic equivalent of telling someone to end a mugging by handing over their wallet and the deed to their house.
Zelensky, of course, is a man in the awkward position of being the democratically elected leader of the country Trump’s friend is currently trying to dismantle. And the body language of today’s meeting told its own story: gone were the grinning asides and admiring jokes, replaced with the brittle civility of a man forced to pose with the victim while still swooning over the perpetrator.
Read on...
This was so much worse than the last time Trump met Zelensky
Over half of Americans say they want the U.S. to be involved in Ukraine-Russia peace talks: poll
03:30 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump announced on Monday that he has begun making arrangements for a trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
A new poll shows that more than half of Americans want the U.S. to be “involved” in peace negotiations between the two countries.
A YouGov poll, released Tuesday, shows that 62 percent of Americans say the U.S. should be involved in peace talks, with 24 percent saying the U.S. should be “very” involved, while 37 percent say it should be “somewhat” involved. By contrast, only 22 percent say the country should not be involved.
On Monday, Trump met with Zelensky and a group of European leaders at the White House, days after meeting with Putin in Alaska on Friday.
The poll also revealed that 41 percent of Americans “strongly or somewhat approve” of Trump's recent meeting with Vladimir Putin in Russia to discuss the war, while 38 percent disapprove.
Similarly, 35 percent of Americans said they approve of how Trump is handling the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while 45 percent disapprove.
What could US and Europe security guarantees look like for Ukraine?
03:00 , Oliver O'ConnellWorld leaders gathered in Washington on Monday for a summit billed as a potential turning point in efforts to end the most significant ground war in Europe since the Second World War.
In the Oval Office, Donald Trump hosted Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky and senior European figures to thrash out what security guarantees for Ukraine might look like if a peace deal with Russia can be reached.
The meeting was described as “historic” by Sir Keir Starmer, who has emerged as one of the driving forces behind Europe’s response.
Tom Watling has the story.
What could US and Europe security guarantees look like for Ukraine?
Witkoff calls Trump 'legend' at dealmaking — Americans aren't so sure, poll shows
02:49 , Oliver O'ConnellOn Tuesday evening, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff told Sean Hannity on Fox News that President Donald Trump is a “legend” when it comes to dealmaking.
Witkoff made the remark during a discussion about the talks he has held over the past week with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and the leaders of European allied nations.
Witkoff: "The president has this uncanny ability to bend people to his sensible way of thinking. He does it each and every time. I've never seen anything quite like it and I've been around some master dealmakers. He is the legend as far as I'm concerned." pic.twitter.com/tAlhdYLhCQ
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 20, 2025
However, Americans might need more convincing, given the results of the latest Economist/YouGov poll.
Per The Economist:
Donald Trump claims to have ended six wars in six months and has been angling for a Nobel Peace Prize. Americans are less convinced of his diplomatic prowess. In February, his net approval rating—the share who approve, less the share who disapprove—for foreign policy was 2. It has since fallen steadily. In this week’s survey—which began on the day that Mr Trump met Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, in Alaska and ended on the day Volodymyr Zelensky, his Ukrainian counterpart, visited the White House—it was -14. More Americans think Mr Trump is an ineffective negotiator with foreign leaders than believe he is an effective one. Just 32% said that the American and Russian presidents made at least some progress towards ending the war. Mr Trump’s net approval rating for his handling of the Ukraine-Russia conflict is -10.
Trump holding court in Oval Office branded ‘embarrassing’ as world leaders sit around his desk
02:40 , Oliver O'ConnellNew pictures showing Donald Trump sitting in the Oval Office in front of major world leaders has been criticized as an "embarrassing" power play by the president, in what should have been a display of global unity.
Some on social media noted that the set up, with Trump behind the Resolute Desk and his European counterparts on chairs opposite him, presented the president as hosting a bunch of “unruly schoolchildren.”
Mike Bedigan reports.
Pics of Trump holding court in Oval Office branded ‘embarrassing’ for world leaders
ICYMI: Zelensky says he’s ready to talk to Trump and Putin to end war in Ukraine
02:20 , Oliver O'ConnellVolodymyr Zelensky said he was prepared to meet Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin at a joint summit to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president made the pledge during talks with his US counterpart at the White House, hastily convened after President Trump’s encounter with Putin last Friday.
When Mr Trump suggested that all three leaders could gather if Monday night’s talks went well, Mr Zelensky added: “We are ready for trilateral.”
Sam Kiley and Andrew Feinberg filed this report on Monday’s meeting.
Zelensky says he’s ready to talk to Trump and Putin to end war in Ukraine
Reporter who attacked Zelensky over suit in February responds to Ukrainian president's zinger
02:00 , Oliver O'ConnellMarjorie Taylor Greene’s boyfriend, Real America’s Voice correspondent Brian Glenn, laughed off Volodymyr Zelensky’s zinger about him wearing the same suit during Monday’s press conference in the Oval Office as he did during February’s now-infamous showdown between the Ukrainian leader and President Donald Trump.
Gustaf Kilander has the story.
MTG’s boyfriend speaks out after Zelensky’s Oval Office suit zinger
Ukrainian sniper claims to have killed two Russian soldiers with ‘longest ever shot’ of 2.5 miles
01:45 , Oliver O'ConnellA Ukrainian sniper is reported to have killed two Russian soldiers with a single bullet from 2.5 miles away in what is believed to be the longest ever kill shot.
The record shot was fired on 14 August with the assistance of artificial intelligence using a 14.5mm Alligator rifle, a Ukrainian military blogger said on Telegram.
Alex Croft has the story.
Ukrainian sniper kills two Russians with ‘longest ever shot’ of 2.5 miles
Russia pounded Ukraine with largest aerial bombardment in a month hours after Trump-Zelensky meeting
01:30 , Oliver O'ConnellRussia’s army launched its largest aerial attack in a month on Ukraine hours after Donald Trump held fresh peace talks with Volodymyr Zelensky.
Troops launched 270 drones and 10 missiles at central Ukraine in the latest attack, hitting key parts of the country’s energy infrastructure shortly after the US and Ukrainian presidents concluded talks at the White House
Bryony Gooch filed this report earlier today.
Russia launches largest aerial strike on Ukraine in a month after Trump peace talks
Trump believes 'it would be better' for Putin and Zelensky to meet first without him
01:15 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump has again spoken about Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky being in the process of arranging a meeting to discuss an end to the war in Ukraine.
Speaking in a radio interview on The Mark Levin Show on Tuesday, Trump reiterated that “the killing” in the conflict, raging since Russia’s invasion in 2022, “has to stop.”
The president suggested he believed it would be “better if they met without me, just to see.”
He elaborated on his reasoning, saying: “I want to see what goes on. You know, they had a hard relationship, very bad, very bad relationship. And now we’ll see how they do and, if necessary, and it probably would be, but if necessary, I’ll go and I’ll probably be able to get it close.”
He added about the potential talks: “I just want to see what happens at the meeting. So they’re in the process of setting it up, and we’re going to see what happens.”
These comments follow a social media post yesterday in which Trump claimed he was arranging such a meeting after discussions with Zelensky and other European leaders, suggesting that a trilateral meeting including the U.S. would follow. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed that Putin had told Trump he would meet with Zelensky.
ICYMI: Trump caught on hot mic saying he thinks Putin ‘wants to make a deal for me'
01:05 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump signaled that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin “wants to make a deal for me” while quietly speaking with French President Emmanuel Macron shortly before hosting European leaders at the White House on Monday.
While waiting for other world leaders to trickle into the East Room to discuss a security resolution for Ukraine and his recent meeting with Putin, Trump was caught on a hot mic sharing his perspective with Macron.
Ariana Baio reports.
Trump caught on hot mic saying he thinks Putin ‘wants to make a deal for me’
ANALYSIS: The White House just watered down the only concession it can claim Trump won from Putin — Ukraine security
Wednesday 20 August 2025 00:55 , Oliver O'ConnellJohn Bowden writes:
The U.S. won’t send troops, and Russia won’t accept forces from NATO states in Ukraine. So, what kind of security guarantee is it, really?
Read on...
White House just watered down the only concession it can claim Trump won from Putin
Bessent claims Trump had Putin 'on his heels' and European allies came to DC out of 'deference' not flattery
Wednesday 20 August 2025 00:40 , Oliver O'ConnellTreasury Secretary Scott Bessent offered insights into President Donald Trump's interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, including their recent meeting in Alaska and ongoing efforts towards peace in Ukraine, during an appearance on Fox News.
Speaking on Laura Ingraham's show, The Ingraham Angle, Bessent claimed President Trump had the Russian leader “on his heels” during their encounter.
“President Trump had a great meeting with President Putin in Alaska, my take was he had President Putin on his heels for most of the event after the flyover [of military jets],” Bessent said.
Bessent: President Trump had a great meeting with President Putin in Alaska, my take was he had President Putin on his heels for most of the event after the flyover. pic.twitter.com/OfLgjYZpx9
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 19, 2025
He further detailed a phone call between the two leaders following President Trump's summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European counterparts. Bessent suggested Putin was keen for the conversation: “Well, the president gave him the option, I could call you or send a message. Putin said well, I will be up for 15 more minutes, or you can call tomorrow. And I think Putin wanted the call that night. So that showed he was eager to hear what the president had to say.”
Bessent: Well, the president gave him the option, I could call you or send a message. Putin said well, I will be up for 15 more minutes or you can call tomorrow. And I think Putin wanted the call that night. So that showed he was eager to hear what the president had to say. pic.twitter.com/vVXlt1nbf9
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 19, 2025
Bessent also asserted that President Trump had secured security guarantees for Ukraine from Putin. Addressing reports that President Trump had been flattered by U.S. allies at Monday’s summit to get him onside, the Treasury secretary countered: “Trump had a strategy the whole time, I don't think it's flattery. I think it’s deference because they understand that Trump is the only person in the world who can stop this conflict.”
Bessent: Trump had a strategy the whole time, I don't think it's flattery. I think it’s deference because they understand that Trump is the only person in the world who can stop this conflict. pic.twitter.com/0Bs7nUHA52
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 19, 2025
Bessent also discussed the imposition of secondary tariffs on India and China due to their economic support for Russia. “We already have very high tariffs on China. And now India is going to see what it feels like,” he warned.
Ingraham: Why haven't we put secondary tariffs on China for what they are doing to help Russia?
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 19, 2025
Bessent: We already have very high tariffs on China. And now India is going to see what it feels like. pic.twitter.com/goGYKJhsPc
US and European allies begin planning for Ukraine security options
Wednesday 20 August 2025 00:20 , Oliver O'ConnellU.S. and European military planners have started exploring post-conflict security guarantees for Ukraine, U.S. officials and sources told Reuters on Tuesday. This follows a pledge from President Donald Trump to help defend the country under any agreement to end Russia’s war. Ukraine and its European allies were encouraged by Trump’s promise of security assurances for Kyiv, made during a Monday summit, though many questions still remain unanswered.
The Pentagon is conducting planning exercises on the support Washington could offer beyond providing weapons, officials said. They cautioned, however, that determining what would be both militarily feasible and acceptable to the Kremlin would take time. One option involves sending European forces to Ukraine, with the U.S. in charge of their command and control. Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters these troops would operate under their own nations' flags, not a Nato banner.
Neither the Pentagon nor Nato has commented on the idea. The White House stated the U.S. could help coordinate a security guarantee for Ukraine.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry has ruled out the deployment of Nato troops to help secure a peace deal.
While Trump has publicly ruled out deploying US troops in Ukraine, he appeared to leave the door open to other military involvement on Tuesday. In a Fox News interview, he suggested Washington could provide air support.
“When it comes to security, [Europeans] are willing to put people on the ground, we're willing to help them with things, especially, probably, ... by air because nobody has stuff we have, really they don’t have,” Trump said, without elaborating. U.S. air support could involve more air defence systems or enforcing a no-fly zone with US fighter jets.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the United States has shipped billions of dollars’ worth of weapons and munitions to Kyiv. The Trump administration briefly halted these shipments, including after contentious White House meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in February and July. Shipments have since resumed, and Trump has pledged to send primarily defensive weapons to assist the war-torn country.
Nato military chiefs will focus on Ukraine and the way forward during a virtual meeting on Wednesday, first reported by Reuters. U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, who also oversees Nato operations in Europe, will brief defence chiefs on last week’s Alaska meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that U.S. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is expected to attend and will meet European counterparts in Washington on Tuesday evening.
As Trump continues to press for a quick end to Europe’s deadliest war in 80 years, Kyiv and its allies worry he could seek to force an agreement on Russia’s terms, especially after the warm welcome he extended to Putin last week.
Russia maintains its actions in Ukraine are a “special military operation” to protect national security, claiming Nato’s eastward expansion and Western military support pose existential threats. Kyiv and its Western allies, conversely, describe the invasion as an imperial-style land grab.
With reporting from Reuters
Watch: White House attacks reporter for asking why Trump didn't call Putin in front of European leaders
Wednesday 20 August 2025 00:00 , Oliver O'ConnellState Department responds to Lavrov's claim Rubio liked his CCCP sweater
Tuesday 19 August 2025 23:45 , Oliver O'ConnellThe State Department has responded to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s claim that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he liked his sweater bearing the letters “CCCP,” the Cyrillic letters for the Soviet Union.
A State Department spokesperson told The Independent: “In the midst of historic peace agreements being led by the President of the United States, it is unbelievable, but predictable, that the media will find any reason to avoid covering this administration's successes."
The sweatshirt appeared to be a tongue-in-cheek reference to claims from Putin’s critics, who say he wants to rebuild Soviet Russia.
Bryony Gooch has more details on Lavrov’s sweater:
Russia’s foreign minister dons USSR jumper as he arrives at Trump-Putin summit
Trump is prepared to 'crush' Russia's economy if no progress on peace talks, senator says
Tuesday 19 August 2025 23:27 , Oliver O'ConnellSenator Lindsey Graham has indicated that Donald Trump may now be prepared to back a bipartisan sanctions bill aimed at crippling Russia's economy, following a phone call between the two.
Speaking to The Associated Press on Tuesday, Senator Graham stated that if peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia do not show significant progress by next month, then a “Plan B” would need to be activated. For months, the Republican senator has been a vocal proponent of imposing severe tariffs on nations that provide financial support for Russia's military actions.
Following his conversation with Mr Trump, Senator Graham suggested a shift in the president's stance.
He told reporters in South Carolina: “Trump believes that if Putin doesn’t do his part, that he’s going to have to crush his economy. Because you got to mean what you say.”
Putin would be granted 'immunity' in Switzerland, if he attends peace talks there, official says
Tuesday 19 August 2025 23:20 , Kelly RissmanRussian President Vladimir Putin would be granted“immunity” if he visits Switzerland for a meeting about the future of the war in Ukraine, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said, Politico reported.
The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March 2023 over his invasion of Ukraine.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced in a Truth Social post Tuesday that he, was arranging a trilateral meeting with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but noted the location had yet to be determined.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday suggested Geneva, Switzerland host the summit.
Switzerland can host the meeting “despite the arrest warrant against Putin because of our special role and Geneva’s role as the European headquarters of the U.N,” the country’s foreign minister said.
Where could the next Ukraine-Russia peace talks be held?
Tuesday 19 August 2025 23:00 , Oliver O'ConnellSwitzerland is open to hosting peace talks, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said Tuesday to SRF.
“We are ready for such a meeting, and we are thankful for the trust placed in us,” Cassis said, while at a diplomatic conference in Bern. “We have always signaled our willingness, but it, of course, hinges on the willingness of the major powers.”
Cassis said Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is the subject of an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court over his invasion of Ukraine, would be granted “immunity” if he were to attend such a meeting in the country.
“We have clarified the legal situation,” Cassis said. “We could hold such a meeting, and we know what needs to be done to ensure it goes smoothly. We can do this despite the arrest warrant against Putin because of our special role and Geneva’s role as the European headquarters of the UN.”
Other world leaders have said they’re on board.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has expressed support for the idea. "Geneva could be the right venue” for the meeting, Tajani told reporters in Bern, adding: "Italy is in favor of taking place in Geneva because it is a country that has always worked for peace-building.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also said he was backing Geneva to host the talks.
“It will be [hosted by] a neutral country, maybe Switzerland – I'm pushing for Geneva – or another country," Macron told French channel LCI on Tuesday.
White House considers trilateral meeting in Budapest: report
Tuesday 19 August 2025 22:40 , Oliver O'ConnellThe White House is planning for a potential trilateral meeting in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, according to Politico.
The trilateral meeting would involve President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to provide any details about a venue for the meeting during a briefing on Tuesday.
Chairman of Joint Chiefs to host counterparts for Ukraine security meeting
Tuesday 19 August 2025 22:28 , Oliver O'ConnellGeneral Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, will host military leaders from Germany, the UK, France, Finland, and Italy in Washington this week.
A White House official confirmed talks will focus on how to implement security guarantees for Ukraine.
A White House official confirms Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine will host his military counterparts from Germany, the U.K., France, Finland and Italy in Washington this week to discuss security guarantees and how to implement them
— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) August 19, 2025
Watch: White House responds to question about US air power being used in Ukraine
Tuesday 19 August 2025 22:25 , Oliver O'ConnellWhat was said about Ukraine at today's White House press briefing?
Tuesday 19 August 2025 22:10 , Oliver O'ConnellAt today’s press briefing, the White House reiterated that American troops will not be deployed to Ukraine, even to enforce a potential peace agreement with Russia, though other forms of security guarantees remain an option.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the administration’s stance, stating: “The president has definitively stated U.S. boots will not be on the ground in Ukraine, but we can certainly help in the coordination and perhaps provide other means of security guarantees to our European allies.”
This comes as the possibility of U.S. air support in Ukraine is also being considered as an "option and a possibility."
President Donald Trump is actively pushing for “direct diplomacy” between Russia and Ukraine, Leavitt confirmed. Trump is reportedly arranging a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with the aim of a subsequent trilateral meeting involving himself, and the two leaders.
Addressing questions about the shift from a trilateral to a bilateral focus, Leavitt explained that President Trump has engaged with both leaders, who have expressed a willingness to meet. “The president has spoken to both leaders about this, and both leaders have expressed a willingness to sit down with each other, and so our national security team will help both countries do that,” she said.
Leavitt added that President Trump believes “there are areas of disagreement in this war that will have to be discussed and decided upon by these two countries, and so he wants these two countries to engage in direct diplomacy.”
The White House also addressed reports that President Trump spoke with Putin during a gathering of European leaders at the White House.
Leavitt defended the call, stating that the European leaders, whose countries are directly impacted by the conflict, were “very grateful that the president took that call and that he was there to provide them with a readout of Russia's thinking on this, something that was not done by the previous administration at all.”
White House confirms Trump has canceled August plans at New Jersey golf club
Tuesday 19 August 2025 22:06 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump's August plans at his Bedminster golf club in New Jersey have been cancelled due to ongoing Ukraine-Russia talks, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed during a tour of the newly paved White House Rose Garden.
“This is normally the time when the president goes on vacation, but not this president,” Ms Leavitt stated. She added that despite discussions about him working from Bedminster for a couple of weeks, “he decided against it.”
Leavitt further characterised President Trump's work ethic, telling reporters: “He's a man on a mission. He wants to move. Get things done quickly,” adding he wants to “strike when the iron is hot.”
On the timing of a potential trilateral meeting, Leavitt commented: “It's hard to judge. I think he wants to see how the bilat goes.”
The first event at the White House Rose Garden, recently renovated and now featuring tables and umbrellas similar to those at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, will likely be a party for the White House press corps.
Trump shows off merch teasing third term as Zelensky visits seeking end to Ukraine war
Tuesday 19 August 2025 21:59 , Oliver O'ConnellTo cap off Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s meeting about pursuing peace in his war-torn home country, U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to give his Ukrainian counterpart a tour of the MAGA gift shop.
A photo circulating on social media, shared by Special Assistant to the President and Communications Advisor Margo Martin, captures Zelensky staring at a wall of red and white MAGA caps and other pro-Trump merchandise in a room — reminiscent of a gift shop — that appears to be part of the White House.
Kelly Rissman reports.
Trump shows off merch teasing a third term as Zelensky visits over Ukraine peace deal
Watch: Trump blames Ukraine for ‘taking on nation that’s 10 times your size’ despite Russia being the one that invaded
Tuesday 19 August 2025 21:50 , Oliver O'ConnellTrump holds golf club gifted to him by Zelensky
Tuesday 19 August 2025 21:34 , Oliver O'ConnellUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gifted President Donald Trump a golf club during their White House meeting on Monday.
The golf club was originally given to Zelensky by Kostiantyn Kartavtsev, a junior sergeant in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Kartavtsev lost his leg in the early months of Russia’s invasion, and golf was a part of his “rehabilitation,” according to a statement from Zelensky’s office.
The sport “helped him regain balance — both physical and emotional,” the release said.
Over half of Americans say they want the U.S. to be involved in Ukraine-Russia peace talks: poll
Tuesday 19 August 2025 21:21 , Kelly RissmanU.S. President Donald Trump announced Monday that he began making arrangements for a trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
A new poll shows that more than half of Americans want the U.S. to be “involved” in peace negotiations between the two countries.
A YouGov poll, released Tuesday, shows that 62 percent of Americans say the U.S. should be involved in peace talks, with 24 percent saying the U.S. should be “very” involved while 37 percent say it should be “somewhat” involved. By contrast, only 22 percent say the country should not be involved.
On Monday, Trump met with Zelensky and a group of European leaders at the White House, days after meeting with Putin in Alaska on Friday.
The poll also revealed that 41 percent of Americans “strongly or somewhat approve” of Trump's recent meeting with Vladimir Putin in Russia to discuss the war, while 38 percent disapprove.
Similarly, 35 percent of Americans said they approve of how Trump is handling the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while 45 percent disapprove.
Where could the next Ukraine-Russia peace talks be held?
Tuesday 19 August 2025 21:00 , Kelly RissmanSwitzerland is open to hosting peace talks, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said Tuesday to SRF.
“We are ready for such a meeting, and we are thankful for the trust placed in us,” Cassis said, while at a diplomatic conference in Bern. “We have always signaled our willingness, but it, of course, hinges on the willingness of the major powers.”
Cassis said Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is the subject of an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court over his invasion of Ukraine, would be granted “immunity” if he were to attend such a meeting in the country.
“We have clarified the legal situation,” Cassis said. “We could hold such a meeting, and we know what needs to be done to ensure it goes smoothly. We can do this despite the arrest warrant against Putin because of our special role and Geneva’s role as the European headquarters of the UN.”
Other world leaders have said they’re on board.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has expressed support for the idea. "Geneva could be the right venue” for the meeting, Tajani told reporters in Bern, adding: "Italy is in favor of taking place in Geneva because it is a country that has always worked for peace-building.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also said he was backing Geneva to host the talks.
“It will be [hosted by] a neutral country, maybe Switzerland – I'm pushing for Geneva – or another country," Macron told French channel LCI on Tuesday.
Canadian Prime Minister 'welcomes' plea from Melania Trump to end war
Tuesday 19 August 2025 20:47 , Katie HawkinsonCanadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his country “welcomes the new appeal to President Putin by the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, to consider the plight of children in ending this war.”
This comes after Carney participated in a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Coalition of the Willing, a group of countries committed to defending a peace deal in Ukraine.
President Donald Trump passed along a letter from his wife, Melania Trump, to Russian President Vladimir Putin during their summit in Alaska on Friday.
In the letter, the First Lady asked Putin to think of the children impacted by the war in Ukraine
“Yet in today’s world, some children are forced to carry a quiet laughter, untouched by the darkness around them — a silent defiance against the forces that can potentially claim their future,” she wrote. “Mr. Putin, you can singlehandedly restore their melodic laughter.”
Putin would be granted 'immunity' in Switzerland, if he attends peace talks there, official says
Tuesday 19 August 2025 20:40 , Kelly RissmanRussian President Vladimir Putin would be granted“immunity” if he visits Switzerland for a meeting about the future of the war in Ukraine, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said, Politico reported.
The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March 2023 over his invasion of Ukraine.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced in a Truth Social post Tuesday that he, was arranging a trilateral meeting with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but noted the location had yet to be determined.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday suggested Geneva, Switzerland host the summit.
Switzerland can host the meeting “despite the arrest warrant against Putin because of our special role and Geneva’s role as the European headquarters of the U.N,” the country’s foreign minister said.
State Department responds to Lavrov's claim Rubio liked his CCCP sweater
Tuesday 19 August 2025 20:34 , Katie HawkinsonThe State Department has responded to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s claim that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he liked his sweater bearing the letters “CCCP,” the Cyrillic letters for the Soviet Union.
A State Department spokesperson told The Independent: “In the midst of historic peace agreements being led by the President of the United States, it is unbelievable, but predictable, that the media will find any reason to avoid covering this administration's successes."
The sweatshirt appeared to be a tongue-in-cheek reference to claims from Putin’s critics, who say he wants to rebuild Soviet Russia.
Bryony Gooch has more details on Lavrov’s sweater:
Russia’s foreign minister dons USSR jumper as he arrives at Trump-Putin summit
Watch: White House attacks reporter for asking why Trump didn't call Putin in front of European leaders
Tuesday 19 August 2025 20:21 , Katie HawkinsonWatch: Trump says there will be no US troops in Ukraine as part of peace deal
Tuesday 19 August 2025 20:00 , Bryony GoochWhat could US and Europe security guarantees look like for Ukraine?
Tuesday 19 August 2025 19:53 , Kelly RissmanWorld leaders gathered in Washington on Monday for a summit billed as a potential turning point in efforts to end the most significant ground war in Europe since the Second World War.
In the Oval Office, Donald Trump hosted Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky and senior European figures to thrash out what security guarantees for Ukraine might look like if a peace deal with Russia can be reached.
The meeting was described as “historic” by Sir Keir Starmer, who has emerged as one of the driving forces behind Europe’s response.
Tom Watling has the story.
What could US and Europe security guarantees look like for Ukraine?
Zelensky met with Norwegian prime minister
Tuesday 19 August 2025 19:45 , Katie HawkinsonUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he spoke with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Tuesday.
“We exchanged assessments of the meetings in Washington and discussed our joint work with all partners on strong security guarantees for Ukraine,” Zelensky wrote on X. “Jonas noted that this is truly a historic achievement – Europe has never been so united around Ukraine.”
“We are confident that peace can be reliable and lasting, and security guarantees are the key to this,” he added.
Ukrainian sniper claims to have killed two Russian soldiers with ‘longest ever shot’ of 2.5 miles
Tuesday 19 August 2025 19:20 , Bryony GoochUkrainian sniper kills two Russians with ‘longest ever shot’ of 2.5 miles
White House considers trilateral meeting in Budapest: report
Tuesday 19 August 2025 19:11 , Katie HawkinsonThe White House is planning for a potential trilateral meeting in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, according to Politico.
The trilateral meeting would involve President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to provide any details about a venue for the meeting during a briefing on Tuesday.
White House confirms Putin promised to have direct meeting with Zelensky
Tuesday 19 August 2025 19:04 , Katie HawkinsonWhite House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked if Russian President Vladimir Putin promised to have a direct meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“He has, and I just answered that question for you,” Leavitt responded.
White House says U.S. air support in Ukraine 'an option and a possibility'
Tuesday 19 August 2025 18:58 , Katie HawkinsonWhite House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said U.S. air support in Ukraine is “an option and a possibility.”
This comes after President Donald Trump said he won’t send U.S. troops to Ukraine, but that his administration could help provide security guarantees in other ways, including with air support.
White House addresses reports that Trump called Putin during European leaders meeting
Tuesday 19 August 2025 18:39 , Katie HawkinsonWhite House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed reports that President Donald Trump called Russian President Vladimir Putin while European leaders were gathered at the White House.
A reporter asked Leavitt why Trump took that call when the European leaders weren’t in the room.
“So these leaders, who, this war is in their backyard, are very grateful that the president took that call and that he was there to provide them with a readout of Russia's thinking on this, something that was not done by the previous administration at all,” Leavitt responded.
Trump wants Russia and Ukraine to engage in 'direct diplomacy'
Tuesday 19 August 2025 18:31 , Katie HawkinsonWhite House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump wants Russia and Ukraine to engage in “direct diplomacy.”
This comes after Trump said he is arranging a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. After that meeting, Trump hopes to have a trilateral meeting between himself, Putin and Zelensky.
Leavitt’s remarks came after a reporter asked: “Can you explain how this went from a trilateral meeting involving President Trump to now the focus being on this bilateral meeting without the president first?”
“The president has spoken to both leaders about this, and both leaders have expressed a willingness to sit down with each other, and so our national security team will help both countries do that,” Leavitt responded.
“Ultimately, the president has always said that there are areas of disagreement in this war that will have to be discussed and decided upon by these two countries, and so he wants these two countries to engage in direct diplomacy,” she added.
Watch: Trump blames Ukraine for ‘taking on nation that’s 10 times your size’ despite Russia being the one that invaded
Tuesday 19 August 2025 18:30 , Bryony GoochWhite House reaffirms U.S. troops won't go to Ukraine
Tuesday 19 August 2025 18:27 , Katie HawkinsonWhite House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has reaffirmed that U.S. troops won’t be sent to Ukraine to enforce any potential peace deal with Russia.
However, the U.S. could be involved in other security guarantees, she said.
“The President has definitively stated U.S. boots will not be on the ground in Ukraine, but we can certainly help in the coordination and perhaps provide other means of security guarantees to our European allies,” Leavitt said.
See it: Trump holds golf club gifted to him by Zelensky
Tuesday 19 August 2025 18:06 , Katie HawkinsonUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gifted President Donald Trump a golf club during their White House meeting on Monday.
The golf club was originally given to Zelensky by Kostiantyn Kartavtsev, a junior sergeant in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Kartavtsev lost his leg in the early months of Russia’s invasion, and golf was a part of his “rehabilitation,” according to a statement from Zelensky’s office.
The sport “helped him regain balance — both physical and emotional,” the release said.
Watch live: White House holds media briefing after Putin and Zelensky meetings
Tuesday 19 August 2025 17:58 , Katie HawkinsonThe White House is holding a briefing after President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several key European leaders met in the White House.
Watch live:
European Commission VP says EU will train Ukraine's soldiers as part of security guarantees
Tuesday 19 August 2025 17:45 , Katie HawkinsonEuropean Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas said the European Union will help train and strengthen Ukraine’s forces as part of security guarantees for the nation.
“Putin cannot be trusted to honour any promise or commitment,” Kallas wrote on X. “Therefore, security guarantees must be strong and credible enough to deter Russia from re-grouping and re-attacking.”
“The EU will contribute to these security guarantees, notably by the training of Ukrainian soldiers and strengthening Ukraine’s armed forces and defence industry,” she added.
The EU will also continue to target Russia with sanctions.
“The next sanctions package against Moscow should be ready by next month,” Kallas wrote.
UK preparing to send troops to Ukraine as part of ‘reassurance force’ if peace deal is struck
Tuesday 19 August 2025 17:37 , Millie CookeThe UK is preparing to deploy troops to Ukraine as part of a “reassurance force” if a peace deal is reached with Russia – but Donald Trump has ruled out the US doing the same.
Keep reading:
UK preparing to send troops to Ukraine if peace deal is struck
What happened the one and only time Zelensky and Putin met?
Tuesday 19 August 2025 17:30 , Alex CroftUkraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky may soon meet Russian president Vladimir Putin again, for the first time since 2019.
A summit in Paris six years ago was the first and only time the two presidents ever met, flanked by French president Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s then-chancellor Angela Merkel. At the time, Putin and Zelensky were looking to hash out a ceasefire deal for war in Donbas in Ukraine’s east, where Russia-backed forces were fighting Ukrainian troops.
Keep reading:
European Council President says diplomatic activity is 'accelerating'
Tuesday 19 August 2025 17:15 , Katie HawkinsonEuropean Council President Antonio Costa said diplomatic activity to end the war in Ukraine is “accelerating.”
“After three and a half years of war, diplomatic activity is accelerating, and there is growing momentum around providing Ukraine with security guarantees, including the agreement of United States President Trump to participate in this effort. We welcome this,” Costa told reporters Tuesday, according to CNN.
“Our top priority must be to stop the killings. Whether we call it a ceasefire or a truce is secondary,” Costa added. “What matters is that we maintain pressure through sanctions if Russia does not comply. More than ever, it is crucial to maintain strong pressure on Russia.”
While President Donald Trump initially called for a ceasefire between the nations, he has since advocated for a peace deal instead.
What to know about the Ukraine-Russia peace talks
Tuesday 19 August 2025 17:09 , Katie HawkinsonPresident Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several key European leaders met in the White House yesterday to discuss an end to the war in Ukraine.
Now, Trump says he’s arranging for a meeting between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Trump has started to arrange for a meeting between Putin and Zelensky, he wrote on Truth Social. He then hopes to set up a trilateral meeting between himself, Putin and Zelensky.
- The U.S. president ruled out sending American troops to Ukraine to enforce a potential peace deal, but said the administration could help in other ways. White House Karoline Leavitt said U.S. air support in Ukraine is “an option and a possibility.”
- When asked if Putin has promised to meet with Zelensky, Leavitt confirmed that “he has.”
- Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov did not commit to any meetings between Putin and Zelensky while speaking to Russian state media on Tuesday. He also warned that “any contacts involving top officials must be prepared with the utmost care,” CNN reports.
- Zelensky called Monday’s meetings “a significant step toward ending the war and ensuring the security of Ukraine and our people.”
Watch: Zelensky reacts as Trump declares Washington DC was 'the most unsafe place anywhere'
Tuesday 19 August 2025 17:00 , Bryony GoochRussia’s Foreign Minister claims Rubio 'liked' his CCCP sweater
Tuesday 19 August 2025 16:58 , Katie HawkinsonRussia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has claimed that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he liked his sweater bearing the letters “CCCP,” the Cyrillic letters for the Soviet Union, CNN reports.
Lavrov wore the sweater ahead of President Donald Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.
Lavrov said the U.S. delegation in Alaska reacted without “any hysteria,” according to CNN.
The sweatshirt appeared to be a tongue-in-cheek reference to claims from Putin’s critics, who say he wants to rebuild Soviet Russia.
Lavrov downplayed critics’ concerns on Tuesday: “I think there is no imperialism here, no attempts to revive imperial thinking, as some in the West like to say, we are not talking about that.”
The Independent has contacted the U.S. State Department for comment.
Bryony Gooch has more on Lavrov’s sweater:
Russia’s foreign minister dons USSR jumper as he arrives at Trump-Putin summit
NATO military leaders to meet Wednesday
Tuesday 19 August 2025 16:45 , Katie HawkinsonNATO Military Committee chair, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, will lead a meeting on Wednesday with defense leaders from all 32 member countries.
“As diplomatic efforts to secure peace in #Ukraine progress, looking forward to his update on the current security environment,” Dragone wrote on X.
This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and key European leaders — including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte — met in the White House over the war in Ukraine. The group discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, and Trump is now arranging a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky.
Watch: Trump says there will be no US troops in Ukraine as part of peace deal
Tuesday 19 August 2025 16:38 , Bryony GoochUK elections watchdog to help Ukraine plan for post-war votes
Tuesday 19 August 2025 16:29 , Bryony GoochBritain's elections watchdog has agreed to help its Ukrainian counterpart plan for post-war votes.
The co-operation deal will see the Electoral Commission share with Kyiv best practice on cybersecurity and voter education when Ukrainians next go to the polls.
Elections are on hold in Ukraine while the country is under martial law, following Russia's invasion in February 2022.
"The delivery of well-run elections that command public confidence and trust is crucial to a healthy and free democracy," said watchdog chief executive Vijay Rangarajan.
He added: "We are proud to welcome our colleagues and friends from Ukraine to the UK and sign this agreement of co-operation.
"There is a lot that we can learn from each other and deepening the ties between us will help us share expertise and learning in the coming years.
"We stand ready to support Ukraine as it prepares for future post-war elections."
In pictures: European leaders meet with Trump in Oval Office
Tuesday 19 August 2025 16:25 , Katie HawkinsonSeveral European leaders joined President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office on Monday night to continue their talks to end the war in Ukraine.
The leaders initially met with Trump elsewhere in the White House before moving to the Oval Office.
The leaders present included British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
