Trump and Putin both agree: Blame falls on Europe as Ukraine peace effort languishes

Trump and Putin Align in Blame Game as Ukraine Peace Talks Stall

Amid stagnant peace efforts in Ukraine, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have found rare alignment—blaming Europe for the continued impasse. This comes three weeks after their high-profile summit in Alaska, which ended with no concrete outcomes. In a Thursday call with European leaders, Trump urged the continent to do more to cut economic ties with Russia, particularly oil purchases, which he claimed generated €1.1 billion for Moscow in just one year. “Europe must stop purchasing Russian oil that is funding the war,” a White House official stated. The call followed Trump’s comments that he plans to speak with Putin again, even as the Russian leader continues to ignore multiple peace deadlines. Trump’s approach, while forceful in tone, has been vague on enforcement. “If we’re unhappy about it, you’ll see things happen,” he said, without elaborating. Despite Europe’s efforts—like last week’s Paris summit where 26 nations agreed to provide forces for a future peacekeeping mission—Trump’s administration has offered limited commitment and continues to pressure Europe and China, without applying equivalent pressure to Beijing directly. Double Standards and Shifting Alliances Trump’s foreign policy is increasingly seen as transactional and unpredictable. While demanding European action on Russian oil, he has refrained from sanctioning China, citing ongoing trade talks. Meanwhile, India has faced punitive tariffs from Trump for buying Russian oil—further straining relations with the strategic partner and pushing New Delhi closer to Beijing and Moscow. This week, Chinese President Xi Jinping gave Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a warm welcome, with Modi even seen riding in Putin’s limousine—mirroring Trump’s recent public camaraderie with the Russian president. Russia Pushes for Division Putin, meanwhile, has ramped up efforts to fracture NATO unity, accusing Europe of “hysteria” over alleged Russian military threats. “Russia has never had, does not have, and will never have any desire to attack anyone,” he claimed during meetings with leaders like Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing. In a symbolic echo of Alaska, Putin warned Europe not to “throw a wrench” in his negotiations with Trump. Simultaneously, suspected GPS jamming of a plane carrying EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was blamed on Russia—though Moscow dismissed the claim as “fake.” Security Guarantees, but No Breakthrough At the Paris summit, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 countries had pledged contributions to a future peacekeeping or reassurance force for Ukraine, should a deal be reached. Macron also emphasized the need for an “American safety net”, indicating that US support—however limited—remains crucial. However, no firm meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in sight. While Putin offered to host Zelensky in Moscow, Kyiv views the offer as a non-starter, citing security risks and a likely political trap. There are also concerns that Putin could weaponize a bilateral meeting to undermine Zelensky in Trump’s eyes. Analysis: Big Rhetoric, Few Results Despite dominating headlines with high-stakes diplomacy, Trump appears increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress—yet unwilling to deploy the leverage or consistency needed to change course. His tendency to scold allies, court adversaries, and avoid firm commitments has left both Ukraine and US allies guessing. As Putin continues to exploit divisions and as Trump balances contradictory goals, the only clear outcome is continued gridlock, while Ukraine waits for real peace—and real guarantees.

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Trump: No Business With Putin Until War Settled Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Is Counting on US

As President Donald Trump heads to Alaska for a high-stakes summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, he underscored that no business dealings between the U.S. and Russia will take place until the war in Ukraine is “settled”—a clear signal of linkage between economic engagement and progress on peace. On board Air Force One, Trump conveyed his hope that the Alaska meeting could pave the way for broader diplomacy, with potential follow-up talks involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “I’m not here to negotiate for Ukraine, I’m here to get them at a table,” he stated, emphasizing that any territorial discussions must be decided by Kyiv. President Zelenskyy—excluded from the summit—stressed Ukraine’s reliance on American leadership. He called for genuine engagement that leads to a “just peace” and urged inclusion in future negotiations, asserting that without Ukraine’s input, any decision would be meaningless. The meeting takes place against a backdrop of rising tensions and persistent skepticism. Trump’s linkage of business engagement to conflict resolution reflects his approach, while critics remain wary that sidelining Ukraine undermines both the peace process and Ukraine’s sovereignty.

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Ukraine War Update: Zelenskyy Meets Starmer; Kremlin Confirms Trump-Putin Summit Plans

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street on August 14, highlighting Britain’s continued support for Ukraine ahead of the upcoming U.S.–Russia summit in Alaska. Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and warned that further pressure could be applied to Russia if necessary. The meeting comes at a critical moment, as the Kremlin confirmed that Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will hold a one-on-one meeting this Friday at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. Following the private discussion, their delegations will join for broader talks, concluding with a joint press conference. This will be the first in-person meeting between Trump and Putin since 2019. It has raised concerns among European leaders, who fear Ukraine’s interests could be sidelined during negotiations. Many have stressed that any resolution to the conflict must not undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty. Trump has described the summit as a “listening exercise,” with the aim of exploring possible ceasefire arrangements. He has also indicated that economic measures could be considered if diplomatic progress stalls, while Putin has framed the talks as an opportunity to address security concerns and “reset” strained relations.

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Trump Orders Nuclear Submarines Closer to Russia Amid Escalating Tensions with Medvedev

United States President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines closer to Russian territory, marking a significant escalation in his ongoing war of words with Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev. In a post on his platform, Truth Social, Trump said the move was a direct response to what he described as “highly provocative statements” made by Medvedev earlier in the week, including warnings about Russia’s Cold War-era nuclear weapons system, commonly referred to as the “Dead Hand.” “I have ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that,” Trump wrote. “Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances.” This latest exchange follows a string of increasingly hostile remarks between both leaders in recent months. Medvedev, once Russia’s president and now a key Putin ally, has used social media to taunt Trump, while Trump has publicly lambasted Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and openly criticized Medvedev’s rhetoric. Earlier this week, Trump dismissed concerns over India-Russia trade relations, instead taking aim at Medvedev: “Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let’s keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory!” Medvedev responded sarcastically on Telegram, invoking Trump’s apparent love for “The Walking Dead” and mocking the U.S. leader’s warnings. “If some words from the former president of Russia trigger such a nervous reaction from the high-and-mighty president of the United States, then Russia is doing everything right,” Medvedev wrote.“And as for ‘dead economies’ and ‘dangerous territory’ — well, let Trump remember his favourite films about the ‘Walking Dead.’” Rising Nuclear Rhetoric This isn’t the first time the two have exchanged nuclear threats. Back in June, Trump accused Medvedev of casually referencing nuclear weapons and offering warheads to Iran. He responded by highlighting America’s powerful nuclear submarine fleet, calling them “the most powerful and lethal weapons ever built.” The confrontation adds to concerns over global stability as nuclear rhetoric intensifies from both sides. Frustrations Over Ukraine The clash also reflects Trump’s growing frustration with the stalled efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, which has dragged on since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Despite entering his second term promising to be a “global peacemaker,” Trump has faced criticism for appearing to favor concessions to Russia in earlier negotiations. In recent weeks, however, he has adopted a tougher stance—imposing deadlines on Moscow and warning of severe economic sanctions. “Russia — I think it’s disgusting what they’re doing,” Trump said on Thursday, following fresh Russian shelling of Kyiv. Medvedev has dismissed Trump’s threats as “theatrical,” warning that his confrontational approach risks triggering a wider conflict—possibly involving the U.S. “Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country,” Medvedev said. As tensions rise and military assets are repositioned, the world watches closely, with fears of further escalation between the world’s leading nuclear powers. Source: By Al Jazeera

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Trump Gives Russia 10–12 Days to End Ukraine War: “No Reason in Waiting”

Turnberry, Scotland — July 28, 2025U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a sharp new ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin, demanding an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine within 10 to 12 days — significantly reducing the 50-day deadline he initially set earlier this month. Speaking during a press conference alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump expressed frustration with Russia’s continued military offensive in Ukraine and signaled growing impatience with the lack of progress toward a ceasefire. “I’m going to make a new deadline of about … 10 or 12 days from today,” Trump said. “There’s no reason in waiting. We just don’t see any progress being made.” The Kremlin has yet to issue a formal response. Trump’s warning comes as Moscow intensifies airstrikes across Ukraine, despite several diplomatic overtures from the U.S. and its European allies. A recent ceasefire deal remains in limbo, with Russian forces reportedly escalating attacks in key areas including Kyiv and eastern border regions. The U.S. president, who returned to office this year with a promise to end the conflict within 24 hours, continues to present himself as a peacemaker, but has faced criticism for his mixed signals. Though he has repeatedly threatened sanctions and tariffs on Russia and countries buying Russian exports, his administration has been cautious in implementing such measures. “I don’t want to do that to Russia. I love the Russian people,” Trump said Monday.“But if you know what the answer is going to be, why wait?” Trump also expressed disappointment with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he accused of stalling peace efforts. He referenced past conversations with Putin, saying: “We thought we had that settled numerous times, and then President Putin goes out and starts launching rockets into some city like Kyiv and kills a lot of people in a nursing home or whatever. And I say that’s not the way to do it.” With tensions rising and the international community watching closely, the next 10 days could prove critical for diplomatic relations — and for Ukraine’s war-ravaged future.

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Russia to Import 1 Million Indian Workers to Fill Labor Gaps Amid Ukraine War Strains

Russia to Import 1 Million Indian Workers to Fill Labor Gaps Amid Ukraine War Strains

Russia plans to bring in up to one million Indian workers by the end of 2025 to combat severe labor shortages in its industrial sectors, especially in the Sverdlovsk region, officials say. Andrey Besedin, head of the Ural Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCPP), disclosed the initiative during a recent event, noting that the move comes amid mounting workforce gaps caused by military mobilization and declining interest in factory jobs among Russian youth. The labor plan, reportedly developed in coordination with Indian counterparts, will be facilitated by the opening of a new Indian consulate in Yekaterinburg. The recruited workforce will include both general laborers and highly skilled specialists. Besedin added that Russia is also in talks with Sri Lanka and North Korea for similar labor supply agreements, as the country scrambles to maintain productivity in key sectors while facing international sanctions and wartime disruptions. He acknowledged that while the influx could help stabilize industries, integrating the foreign workers would present cultural and operational challenges. “We must prepare for a complex adaptation process,” he said, citing differences in work ethics and practices. The mass recruitment drive highlights the growing internal strain on Russia’s economy amid its prolonged war in Ukraine, which has pulled tens of thousands of working-age men into military service and reduced the available industrial workforce.

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Brazil hosts BRICS summit; Russia’s Putin, China’s Xi skip Rio trip

Brazil hosts BRICS summit; Russia’s Putin China’s Xi skip Rio trip

Leaders expected to decry US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs while presenting the bloc as a defender of multilateralism. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, right, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chinh exchange gifts during a meeting at Fort Copacabana, in Rio deLeaders of the growing BRICS group are gathering in Brazil for a summit overshadowed by United States President Donald Trump’s new tariff policies while presenting the bloc as a defender of multilateralism. The leaders, mainly from the developing world, will be discussing ways to increase cooperation amid what they say are serious concerns over Western dominance at their two-day summit that begins in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. The BRICS acronym is derived from the initial letters of the founding member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The bloc, which held its first summit in 2009, later added Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as full members. It also has 10 strategic partner countries, a category created last year, that includes Belarus, Cuba and Vietnam. But for the first time since taking power in 2012, Chinese President Xi Jinping will not be attending in person, instead sending Prime Minister Li Qiang. Russian President Vladimir Putin will also miss in-person attendance as he is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his role in the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Brazil, as a signatory to the Rome Statute, would be required to enforce the arrest warrant. The notable absences are raising questions over the group’s cohesion and global clout. Now chaired by Brazil, leaders at the BRICS summit are expected to decry the Trump administration’s “indiscriminate” trade tariffs, saying they are illegal and risk hurting the global economy. Global health policies, artificial intelligence and climate change will also be on the agenda. The BRICS countries say they represent almost half of the world’s population, 36 percent of global land area, and a quarter of the global economic output. The bloc sees itself as a forum for cooperation between countries of the Global South and a counterweight to the Group of Seven (G7), comprised of leading Western economic powers. However, behind the scenes, divisions are evident. According to a source quoted by The Associated Press news agency, some member states are calling for a firmer stance on Israel’s war in Gaza and its recent strikes on Iran. The source requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Egypt’s Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will be attending the Rio summit. But Al Jazeera’s Lucia Newman, reporting from Rio, said the group’s aim remains clear. “The BRICS goal is to exert pressure for a multipolar world with inclusive global governance to give a meaningful voice to the Global South, especially in the trading system,” she said. “It’s not super organised, nor does it have a radical global impact,” Newman added. “The real question is, can an expanded BRICS whose members have very different political systems and priorities form a sufficiently unified bloc to have any significant impact?”

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