Trump Zelenskyy Meeting Live Updates: Russia 'deliberately' launches 'demonstrative and cynical' strike; Zelenskyy says 'war must end'
17:42 (IST) Aug 18
Trump-Zelenskyy meeting Live Updates: Putin dials PM Modi, underline India's consistent position for peaceful resolution of the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which the two leaders discussed recent geopolitical developments and bilateral ties.
Putin briefed Modi on his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska last week, sharing his assessment of the talks. Modi reiterated India's consistent position in favor of a peaceful resolution of the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue, stressing New Delhi's support for all initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace.
The leaders also reviewed various aspects of India-Russia cooperation and expressed their commitment to further deepen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Both sides agreed to maintain regular contact going forward.
17:40 (IST) Aug 18
Trump Zelenskyy meeting Live Updates: Russia cynically attacking Ukraine ahead of Washington talks, says Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday announced that Russia had carried out 'demonstrative and cynical' strikes on Ukraine, including an Azerbaijani-owned oil facility, ahead of his planned talks in Washington with Donald Trump.
'This was a demonstrative and cynical Russian strike. They are aware that a meeting is taking place today in Washington that will address the end of the war,' Zelenskyy wrote on X.
'Putin will commit demonstrative killings to maintain pressure on Ukraine and Europe, as well as to humiliate diplomatic efforts. That is precisely why we are seeking assistance to put an end to the killings.'
17:38 (IST) Aug 18
Zelenskyy-Trump meeting: Stocks diverge ahead of Trump-Zelensky talks
Global markets moved in different directions on Monday as investors awaited high-stakes talks in Washington between U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and key European leaders over Russia's war in Ukraine.
The meeting follows Trump's recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which ended without a ceasefire agreement. Zelenskyy, facing pressure from Trump to concede Crimea and scale back NATO aspirations, reiterated before the talks that Moscow 'should not be rewarded' for its aggression.
European stock exchanges reflected caution, with London, Paris, and Frankfurt all trading lower by midday. 'The focus is still on Ukraine this morning, as the world reacts to the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska last Friday,' noted Jim Reid, managing director at Deutsche Bank.
Meanwhile, oil prices fluctuated as investors assessed how potential breakthroughs—or further deadlock—in the negotiations could affect Russia, one of the world's largest crude suppliers.
17:34 (IST) Aug 18
Trump Zelenskyy meeting: Zelenskyy arrives in US
After landing in Washington on Sunday night, Zelenskyy thanked Trump for the invitation while firmly restating Ukraine's position. 'We all equally want to end this war swiftly and reliably. Russia must end this war -- the war it started. And I hope that our shared strength with America and with our European friends will compel Russia to real peace,' he said on Telegram.
17:32 (IST) Aug 18
Trump Zelenskyy Meeting Live Updates: What does Putin demand in exchange for peace?
According to reports, the proposals allegedly laid out by Russian President Vladimir Putin included several sweeping demands. Among them were Ukraine's full withdrawal from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, with Russia maintaining control over both territories. In return, Moscow would hand back limited occupied areas in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions, estimated at around 440 square kilometers.
The plan also called for international recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea and stipulated that no ceasefire would be agreed until a comprehensive settlement was reached. In addition, Putin reportedly sought the easing of at least some Western sanctions imposed on Russia.
Domestically, the proposals included granting official status to the Russian language across parts—or potentially all—of Ukraine, as well as guaranteeing the Russian Orthodox Church the right to operate freely within the country.
17:28 (IST) Aug 18
Trump Zelenskyy Meeting Live Updates: Zelenskyy to meet Trump- Where and when
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Washington, where he is scheduled to meet Donald Trump at 1:15 pm EDT (10:45 pm IST, Monday) in the Oval Office. Later in the day, he will join a joint session with leaders of Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Finland, the European Union, and Nato at 3 pm EDT (12:30 am IST, Tuesday).
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is already in the United States, is expected to meet Donald Trump at 1:15 pm EDT (10:45 pm IST, Monday) in the Oval Office before holding a joint session with leaders of Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Finland, the European Union and Nato at 3 pm EDT (12:30 am IST, Tuesday).
After landing in Washington on Sunday night, Zelenskyy thanked Trump for the invitation while firmly restating Ukraine's position. 'We all equally want to end this war swiftly and reliably. Russia must end this war -- the war it started. And I hope that our shared strength with America and with our European friends will compel Russia to real peace,' he said on Telegram.
This meeting comes on the heels of the Alaska summit, where Trump held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. While neither leader disclosed details, reports claimed Putin presented a set of demands tied to a potential peace deal. Kyiv has rejected the reported proposals, which allegedly included Ukraine ceding control of the remaining parts of Donetsk.
Ukrainian forces currently hold about a quarter of Donetsk, relying on its towns and high ground as a defensive buffer, according to Reuters. Zelenskyy is instead calling for an immediate ceasefire followed by structured negotiations. Trump, who initially supported a ceasefire, has since shifted his stance after meeting Putin, leaning closer to Moscow's preference for talks while fighting continues.
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Hindustan Times
13 minutes ago
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NDTV
13 minutes ago
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