U.S. President Seeks Russian Concessions in Ukraine Talks

The President of the United States held a press conference on August 11, where he discussed an upcoming meeting with the President of Russia. The President described the meeting as a "trial run," expressing his belief that both sides would engage in constructive dialogue. He also stated that he would urge the Russian President to end the war. The President also mentioned that he would speak with the President of Ukraine and that the next meeting could be held with the President of Ukraine or with both the President of Russia and the President of Ukraine. After the meeting, he would also speak with European leaders.

On August 10, the Vice President of the United States stated that the U.S. is coordinating a meeting between the President of Russia and the President of Ukraine to discuss ending the conflict. However, the Vice President believes that a meeting between the two leaders before the U.S.-Russia meeting would not be productive. The President of Russia's aide stated that the focus of the meeting would be on achieving a long-term peace plan for Ukraine. The aide also mentioned that the next meeting between the two leaders would take place in Russia, with an invitation already extended to the U.S.

The President of Ukraine, in a social media post on August 11, stated that he had spoken with the Prime Minister of Canada and the President of Lithuania about the ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. He emphasized the need for clear security guarantees for Ukraine. The President of Ukraine also stated that any decisions about Ukraine's future and the safety of its citizens could not be made without Ukraine's involvement. He also mentioned that if there were no clear security guarantees for Ukraine, sanctions against Russia must remain in place and be strengthened. The President of Ukraine also discussed the negotiation process for Ukraine's accession to the European Union with the President of Lithuania, stating that Lithuania fully supports Ukraine's position on simultaneous accession with Moldova.

The President of the United States also stated that both Russia and Ukraine would need to make territorial concessions to end the conflict. The President of the United States also mentioned that he would speak with the President of Ukraine and that the next meeting could be held with the President of Ukraine or with both the President of Russia and the President of Ukraine. After the meeting, he would also speak with European leaders.

On August 11, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy stated that the European Union is committed to imposing more sanctions on Russia, providing more military support to Ukraine, and supporting Ukraine's budget needs and accession process to the European Union. The European Union held an emergency video conference to discuss the potential impact of the upcoming U.S.-Russia meeting. Six European countries, including England, France, and Germany, along with the President of the European Commission, issued a joint statement calling for any diplomatic solution to the Ukraine crisis to protect the significant security interests of Europe and Ukraine. The statement also emphasized the need for active diplomatic mediation, continued support for Ukraine, and pressure on Russia to achieve peace and security in Ukraine. Relevant European countries will continue to provide Ukraine with substantial military and financial support through the "voluntary alliance" and maintain and implement restrictive measures against Russia.

On August 11, the German government spokesperson stated that Germany would hold multiple video conferences on August 13 to discuss the Ukraine issue. Germany will invite the President of the United States, the President of Ukraine, and leaders from multiple European countries to participate in different rounds of video conferences. The conference aims to prepare for the talks between the leaders of the U.S. and Russia and is expected to discuss negotiations with Russia, Ukraine's territorial issues, and European security. According to the arrangement, Germany will first hold a video conference with European countries, including France, England, Italy, Poland, Finland, the President of the European Commission, the Secretary-General of NATO, and the President of Ukraine.