Another surprise. it seems that even Zelenskiy knows that Trump will be ending his war with Russia. So now…
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made a surprising announcement on Monday, suggesting that Russia should be represented at a second peace summit in November. This follows a previous summit in Switzerland last month, which Moscow did not attend. Since early negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian delegations collapsed shortly after Russia’s invasion in February 2022, both sides have avoided direct peace talks. However, in a press conference in Kyiv after his visit to the US for a NATO summit, Zelenskiy indicated an openness to dialogue, stating, “I believe that Russian representatives should be at the second summit,” as preparations for the follow-up meeting with the allies of Ukraineare are underway.
Zelenskiy calls for Russian participation in second peace summit#bne #Russia #Ukraine #RussiaUkraineWar #peaceconference https://t.co/nia4wt1H3G pic.twitter.com/wqxn1LBHHA
— bne IntelliNews (@bneintellinews) July 15, 2024
In the same press conference, Zelenskiy stressed Ukraine’s need for 25 Patriot air defense systems to secure its airspace. He also called for more F-16 warplanes from Western partners than those already promised. He lamented that a six-month delay in military aid from the US, Ukraine’s largest supporter, had caused Kyiv’s forces to “lose the initiative” on the frontlines.
Meanwhile, tensions within the European Union are rising as top EU officials announced a boycott of informal meetings hosted by Hungary, which currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency. This decision comes after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s series of unauthorized meetings with foreign leaders about Ukraine, which angered other European partners. European Commission spokesperson Eric Mamer confirmed the boycott in light of “recent developments marking the start of the Hungarian presidency.”
Ukraine is not against negotiations with the Russian Federation during the second peace summit, – Yermak said
No compromise with independence, no compromise with sovereignty and territorial integrity. But we are very clear about our philosophy of the peace formula and this… pic.twitter.com/xEuuX9WY81
— Devana 🇺🇦 (@DevanaUkraine) June 15, 2024
In a separate but related event, US journalist and author Masha Gessen was convicted in absentia by a Moscow court on charges of spreading false information about the Russian military, resulting in an eight-year prison sentence. Gessen, a prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin and an award-winning writer, currently resides in the US.
Adding to the ongoing conflict, a Ukrainian drone attack ignited a fire at a factory producing electrical devices in Russia’s Kursk region. Interim Governor Alexei Smirnov confirmed on Telegram that no workers were injured in the incident.
Representatives of the Russian Federation should be at the second Peace Summit, — Zelensky
The President set the task of fully preparing the peace plan of Ukraine by November. So, maybe there will be a second summit at that time. pic.twitter.com/KRi14QdT5K
— * (@SUGMINKUKELMO) July 15, 2024
In another development, a Russian military court granted house arrest to Major-General Ivan Popov, a former commander in Russia’s Ukraine offensive, who was charged with large-scale fraud. Popov, initially arrested in May, faced up to 10 years in prison but was released from detention on Monday.
Meanwhile, Ukraine reported a fatal incident involving a military serviceman allegedly attempting to flee the country. The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) stated that four servicemen were detained near the Moldovan border in Odesa. One of the detainees allegedly attacked a border guard in an escape attempt and was shot dead by the guard in response.
Major Points
- Zelenskiy proposes Russian participation in a second peace summit in November, indicating openness to direct talks.
- Ukraine requests 25 Patriot air defense systems and more F-16 warplanes from Western allies.
- EU officials boycott Hungarian-hosted meetings due to Prime Minister Orbán’s rogue discussions on Ukraine.
- US journalist Masha Gessen sentenced in absentia by a Moscow court for spreading false information about the military.
- Ukrainian drone attack causes fire at a factory in Russia’s Kursk region, with no reported injuries.
Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
