On August 11, 2025, the 1,265th day of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine is marked. In light of current events, diplomatic steps and the future trajectory of negotiations are being discussed. The main events today include an extraordinary meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, at which further actions in response to the planned meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will be considered.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte characterized the upcoming meeting in Alaska as “a test of Putin’s seriousness” and stressed the importance of Ukraine’s participation in the negotiations. German Chancellor Olaf Merz expressed hope that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would join this dialogue.
The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev condemned Russia’s strikes on the SOCAR oil depot and the gas-transmission station that supplies gas from Azerbaijan to Ukraine.
Russian forces carried out a strike on a bus station and a clinic in Zaporizhzhia, injuring 20 people.
The Ukrainian Defense Forces liberated and fully cleared of Russian troops the settlement of Bezsalivka in Sumy region.
Polish Minister of Defense on Zelensky’s participation in the Trump-Putin meeting
Poland’s Minister of Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said that Zelensky’s participation in the meeting with Putin would be “the best decision.” He added that a ceasefire is currently close in terms of timing and prospects.
“I believe there will be an invitation for President Zelensky. Today there is information that such a probability exists… This would be the best decision, and I believe it will happen.”
– Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz
He stressed that Poland will do everything possible to achieve a just and lasting peace, and is ready to support allies in a potential mission in Ukraine.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham on land swaps
Senator Lindsey Graham expressed the view that Russia and Ukraine may be forced to agree to exchange certain territories with a guarantee of Ukraine’s security.
“To be honest with you, Ukraine isn’t going to evict every Russian, and Russia isn’t coming to Kyiv, so eventually there will be some land exchanges.”
– Lindsey Graham
The politician added that Zelensky should participate in the meeting with Trump, stressing the need for negotiations to end the war.
Position of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte
According to Rutte, Russia effectively controls part of Ukrainian territory, and this should be recognized not on paper but in practice.
“When it comes to recognition, for example in a future agreement, that Russia effectively controls part of Ukraine’s territory, this should be de facto recognition, not political de jure recognition.”
– Mark Rutte
Rutte also noted that U.S. President Donald Trump seeks to end the human costs and destruction in Ukraine, and the issue of territories will become one of the main topics at the Alaska meeting on August 15.
European leaders prepare for talks with Trump
European leaders plan meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of his negotiating round with Putin. EU foreign ministers gathered online on August 11 to coordinate further steps and common positions.
Drone attack by GUR on the Russian oil refinery
On August 10, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine said drones struck the LUKOIL-Ukhta refinery in the Komi Republic, Russia, more than 2,000 kilometers from Ukraine’s borders.
According to the agency, the drones destroyed a reservoir of oil products, causing a spill, and damaged equipment for processing gas and gas condensate used to produce propane-butane and gasoline. Local residents reported strong explosions, a fire, and a lack of electricity and mobile internet in the refinery area.