WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump announced that if his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Alaska is successful, he will host a second meeting that includes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He expressed a preference for this second meeting to take place “soon.” Trump described the meeting as “very important,” suggesting it could lead to “significant achievements.” He reported positive and constructive discussions with Zelensky and European leaders, warning that if an agreement to end the war is not reached, Russia will face “heavy consequences,” including severe economic sanctions. Leaders from the U.S., Ukraine, and Europe have also discussed potential locations for the next meeting, including cities in Europe and the Middle East. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, following a phone call with Trump, stated that there is a possibility for a ceasefire in Ukraine, emphasizing that the issue of Ukrainian territory should only be negotiated by the country’s president. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also prioritized establishing a ceasefire, stating that pressure should increase if Moscow opposes it. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance announced that Trump has tasked him with the mission of “restoring peace to Europe.”
