U.S. President Donald Trump’s top-down diplomacy has experts in Ukraine skeptical about whether there has been enough preparation for proposed talks to actually end the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Moscow

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

Russia has stated that additional talks are necessary before a potential summit between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin can take place. The Russian foreign minister has only committed to meetings between higher-level officials, rather than the presidents themselves, which Ukrainian officials view as a stalling tactic. 

While former U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly attempting to broker a summit, there is widespread skepticism, particularly in Ukraine, about the effectiveness of such an approach without detailed groundwork. European officials, including those from Germany, have called for concrete actions such as an immediate ceasefire, which Russia has rejected. Meanwhile, Russian military operations in Ukraine continue, highlighting the significant diplomatic challenges that remain.

Russia signals more talks needed before Zelenskyy-Putin meeting

Donald Trump has turned traditional diplomacy on its head with leaders meeting first and the details sorted out later. It may be effective in real estate but whether his approach can resolve the Ukraine war faces deep skepticism especially in Ukraine. Classic diplomacy is all about preparation work and summit as a result of a year, year and a half of preparation work. Now we see no preparation whatsoever and just meetings, meetings, meetings at the highest level. Trump is trying to broker a summit between Vladimir Zelensky and Vladimir Putin. Two men who despise each other. Their only in-person meeting in Paris in 2019 did nothing to prevent Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years later. The only commitment Russia's foreign minister offered Wednesday was a meeting not between presidents but higher level officials. Ukrainians see that as another stalling tactic and have little faith anyway. There must be guarantees of peace so Russia does not have the opportunity to attack and kill our people, he said. But while Trump says he believes Putin wants peace German officials are among the Europeans demanding Putin back that up with deeds like an immediate ceasefire which he's rejected. Indeed, Russia is continuing to bomb Ukrainian cities and is pushing ahead with grinding attacks on the ground. In the past, the only security guarantees that Russia has supported for Ukraine involve the United Nations meaning Russia could veto any military assistance for Ukraine should Russia attack again in the future which underscores just how vast the diplomatic gaps are. Chris Brown, CBC News, London.

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Jerusalem

Middle East Conflict

Israel calls up 60,000 reservists ahead of Gaza City operation

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Washington

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NATO military chiefs met virtually Wednesday for what was described as a candid discussion about security guarantees the alliance would be willing to provide to Ukraine in an effort to end Russia's war in the region.

Brussels

NATO chiefs meet virtually about potential Ukraine security guarantees

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Israel approves next phase of Gaza offensive, focus on Gaza City

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North Carolina

Hurricane Erin forces evacuations on U.S. East Coast

The White House says it is working to secure a meeting between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine, which both have agreed to, while plans continue to create security guarantees for Ukraine.

Trump says no U.S. ground troops will be sent to Ukraine

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Mediators await Israeli response to Gaza ceasefire proposal

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New Delhi

India's Modi meets China's foreign minister to rebuild ties

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Austin

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Hong Kong Island

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East Coast of the United States

Hurricane Erin to bring dangerous rip currents to U.S. East Coast

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Los Angeles

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European leaders who converged on the White House for talks on the Russia-Ukraine war demonstrated a united front regarding Ukraine's security on Monday, underscoring the issue as pivotal for the entire continent, not just Ukraine.

EU leaders show cautious optimism following Zelenskyy, Trump talks

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La Paz

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the White House Monday (August 18) for his meeting with President Donald Trump and other European leaders about Russia's war in Ukraine. CBS News White House reporter Taurean Small has more.

Trump meeting with Zelenskiy, European leaders at White House

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Kyiv

Ahead of Trump meeting, Zelenskyy says won't give territory to Russia

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy flies to Washington on Monday under heavy U.S. pressure to agree to a swift end to Russia's war in his country, but determined to defend Kyiv's interests — without sparking a second Oval Office dust-up with Donald Trump.

Zelenskyy, European allies to meet with Trump to discuss peace

European leaders voiced strong support for Ukraine ahead of a Washington summit with U.S President Donald Trump. They emphasized unity, territorial integrity and security guarantees as essential to any peace deal.

Paris

European leaders stress unity with Ukraine ahead of peace talks

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Tel Aviv-Yafo

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Russia continues to target Ukrainian cities firing hundreds of missiles and projectiles daily despite ongoing peace efforts, led by the United States. Ukrainian officials say their unwillingness to dial back their offensive reflects their lack of sincere interest in peace.

Russia signals more talks needed before Zelenskyy-Putin meeting

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Ukraine Invasion