Explained: Where Trump and Putin could meet
With the summit venue yet to be announced, all eyes are on where the two presidents could meet.
Here, The Independent looks at the countries that could set the stage for the momentous occasion:
Steffie Banatvala7 August 2025 14:45
EU chief, Zelensky discuss EU membership and steps for peace
Steffie Banatvala7 August 2025 14:21
Putin says he ‘has nothing against Zelensky’
Trump made a condition of a meeting with Putin that the Russian leader also meets Zelensky.
Asked about the possibility, Putin said: “I have already said many times that I have nothing against it in general, it is possible.”
“But certain conditions must be created for this. But unfortunately, we are still far from creating such conditions,” Putin added, distancing himself from a meeting.
Zelensky previously offered to meet in May to discuss ending the war. Putin did not accept the request.
Steffie Banatvala7 August 2025 14:15
Putin reveals possible location for Trump talks
Putin has said interest in a US-Russia meeting was “mutual” and that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a potential location for the summit.
The Russian leader’s travel options are restricted an international arrest warrant over the alleged removal of children from Ukraine to Russia during the war.
Steffie Banatvala7 August 2025 14:08
Zelensky: No response from Russia on readiness for peace
Steffie Banatvala7 August 2025 14:04
Editorial: If Trump is finally ‘done’ with Putin, a new dimension of uncertainty opens up
Editorial: Despite no immediate sign of a breakthrough with Moscow after special envoy Steve Witkoff’s crunch ceasefire talks, there is at least hope that the US president – increasingly resentful about the Kremlin rebuffing his overtures – could now come full circle and support Ukraine again
Steffie Banatvala7 August 2025 14:00
In pictures: ruins of residential buildings in the abandoned town of Marinka
A drone view shows the ruins of residential buildings in the abandoned town of Marinka, which was destroyed in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict in the Donetsk region, a Russian-controlled area of Ukraine (REUTERS)
Ruins in Marinka (REUTERS)
Steffie Banatvala7 August 2025 13:30
Full statement on Putin-Trump meeting suggests Zelensky is not involved
Yuri Ushakov (REUTERS)
We reported earlier that the Kremlin confirmed Trump and Putin will meet ‘in the coming days’.
Now we have the full statement from Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, who appears to play down the possibility of a meeting with Zelensky.
At the suggestion of the American side, an agreement in principle was made to hold a bilateral meeting at the highest level in the coming days, that is, a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
Now, together with our American colleagues, we are starting to work out the specific parameters of this meeting and the venue. By the way, I will note that the venue has also been agreed upon in principle and we will inform you about it a little later.
As for the option of a trilateral meeting, which for some reason was mentioned by Washington yesterday, this option was simply mentioned by the American representative during the meeting in the Kremlin. But this option was not specifically discussed.
The Russian side left this option completely, completely without comment. We propose, first of all, to focus on preparing a bilateral meeting with Trump and we believe that the main thing is for this meeting to be successful and productive.
Everyone also knows that yesterday, immediately after Witkoff’s report, Trump called a number of leading European partners and discussed this matter with them.
I will note that we, using the appropriate channels, have already begun informing our closest partners and friends about the issues that were discussed during this meeting with Witkoff.
Next week was considered as the targeted date [for the meeting], but the parties are starting to directly prepare for this important meeting, and it is difficult to say how many days the preparation will take. But the option of holding the meeting during the next week was considered, and we are quite positive about this option.
Steffie Banatvala7 August 2025 13:00
What are the Storm Shadow missiles Russia claims to have shot down?
Defence Secretary John Healey is shown a Storm Shadow missile (PA Wire)
Earlier, we reported Russia claimed it had shot down eight British-made Storm Shadow missiles in service with the Ukrainian army over the past 24 hours.
– Storm Shadows are cruise missiles developed by France and the UK in the 90s. They are launched from aircraft.
– They have a range of more than 155 miles and exceed 600mph, according to manufacturer MBDA.
– The RAF and French air forced used them in the Gulf, Libya and Iraq.
– The UK announced it would provide Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles in May 2023 – the first country to do so.
Steffie Banatvala7 August 2025 12:30
Zelensky says Europe must participate in Ukraine peace process after Germany call
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Europe must participate in the peace process between his country and Russia after a call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday.
“Ukraine is not afraid of meetings and expects the same brave approach from the Russian side,” he said.
Steffie Banatvala7 August 2025 12:22