**Putin Holds Calls with Key Allies Xi and Lukashenko Ahead of Trump Summit**
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been busy making phone calls to his closest international allies in the days leading up to his expected meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. According to Russian state media, Putin spoke by phone with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko on August 8.
These calls come at a critical time, as the U.S. president prepares to meet with Putin next week in what would be the first direct talks between the two since Trump took office. The meeting is taking place amid growing U.S. pressure aimed at cutting off Russia’s war funding, which makes up roughly one-third of Russia’s federal budget.
**Putin Briefs Xi on Recent Contacts with the U.S.**
According to China’s pro-government outlet CCTV, Putin briefed Xi on recent contacts with the U.S. The Chinese president reportedly welcomed dialogue between Washington and Moscow and reiterated Beijing’s support for efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine. This is significant, as China has supported the Kremlin through trade and dual-use technology.
The U.S. has warned that continued oil purchases from Russia could trigger tariffs of up to 100% on Chinese exports. It remains to be seen how this will play out, but it’s clear that Beijing is trying to maintain a delicate balance between its relationship with Moscow and Washington.
**Lukashenko Gets Update on Negotiations with the U.S.**
Putin also updated Lukashenko, one of his closest allies, on “negotiations and agreements” with the U.S. Belarusian state outlet Belta reported. Lukashenko has ruled Belarus since 1994 and allowed Russian forces to launch attacks on Ukraine from Belarusian territory at the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022.
This update is likely a attempt by Putin to reassure his ally that he is working hard to secure concessions from Washington. But it’s worth noting that Lukashenko has been under pressure from the West for allowing Russia to use Belarus as a launchpad for its attacks on Ukraine.
**U.S. Pressure Intensifies**
The U.S. president issued an ultimatum to Moscow on July 28, demanding a ceasefire within 10 days or face severe U.S. sanctions. As the August 8 deadline approached, Trump signaled impatience and said the decision now “depends on Putin.”
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the U.S. does not view the upcoming summit as a matter of trusting Russia, but rather as a demand for “concrete results.” This suggests that Washington is taking a tough stance with Moscow, and it’s likely to be a challenging meeting.
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