Trump Plans Ukraine War Talks With EU, UK Amid Russia-Ukraine Stalemate

A recent third round of U.S.-backed cease-fire talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul ended without progress, highlighting a battlefield stalemate as both sides remain entrenched. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reaffirmed Russia's commitment to diplomatic solutions but blamed Ukraine and Western nations for dismissing dialogue, thus justifying continued military operations. US President Donald Trump plans to discuss ending the war in Ukraine during his visit to Scotland, meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, with secondary sanctions on Russia under consideration amid a perceived shift in Trump's rhetoric. The United States has also called on China at the United Nations to cease supplying dual-use goods to Russia that support its war efforts, while China denies providing lethal weapons or enabling the conflict. Kremlin officials stated that a summit between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy could only occur as a final step to a peace deal, with Ukraine insisting a leaders’ meeting is essential for breakthrough progress. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy continues to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities, including touring a factory producing interceptor drones to protect Ukrainian cities.