**Russia’s Aerial Bombardment Continues as Ukraine Prepares for US-Russia Summit**
In a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reported that Russian forces launched over 1,000 aerial bombs and 1,400 strike drones against Ukraine in just one week. This comes ahead of an expected summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15.
Zelensky expressed frustration at the continued aggression from Moscow, stating that “another week has ended without any attempt by Russia to agree to the numerous demands of the world and stop the killings.” The Ukrainian president emphasized that Ukraine is defending its people and strengthening its air defenses, but that diplomacy must correspond accordingly.
**Human Cost of Russian Attacks**
The past 24 hours have seen at least seven people killed and close to 50 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine. Regional authorities reported these casualties, highlighting the devastating impact of Russia’s military actions on civilians.
Zelensky condemned Moscow’s tactics, saying that “concessions do not persuade a killer. But truly strong protection of life stops the killers.” This statement underscores Ukraine’s determination to protect its citizens and resist Russian aggression.
**Trump-Putin Summit: Uncertainty Surrounds Zelensky’s Participation**
The upcoming summit between Trump and Putin has sparked uncertainty about Zelensky’s participation. A source in Ukraine’s Presidential Office told the Kyiv Independent that Moscow seeks a full withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from partially occupied Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, while offering to withdraw its own troops from limited areas it holds in northeastern Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts.
This proposal has been met with skepticism by Zelensky, who has rejected any territorial concessions to Russia. Publicly, Putin has demanded a ban on Ukraine’s NATO membership and a full Ukrainian withdrawal from several eastern and southern regions as a precondition for peace talks.
**Concerns Over Sidelining Ukraine**
Zelensky’s participation in the summit remains uncertain, fueling concerns that Washington and Moscow could sideline Ukraine and Europe from the peace process. The Ukrainian president has urged a ceasefire as the first step toward peace talks, a position backed by Kyiv’s European partners.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance, and international pressure will be crucial in shaping the outcome of this crisis.
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