Zelenskyy calls for direct talks with Putin on ending Ukraine war
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to Putin’s comments, repeating that Ukraine is ready for talks at the leaders’ level “at any time.”
“We have heard the statements coming out of Russia.
If these are signals of a genuine willingness to end the war with dignity and establish a truly lasting peace – and not merely an attempt to buy more time for war or delay sanctions – then Ukraine once again reaffirms its readiness to meet at the level of leaders at any time.”
He continued by explaining why a direct meeting is needed to conduct talks.
“We understand who makes the decisions in Russia and who must end this war. The whole world understands this too,” he said.
“Ukraine proposes to move from exchanges of statements and technical-level meetings to talks between leaders.
The United States has proposed this.
Ukraine had supported it.
What is needed is Russia’s readiness.”
Zelenskyy also pointedly thanked US president Donald Trump for his work on ending the conflict, seemingly acknowledging how much depends on his response to Putin’s latest attacks.
Key events
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Poland marks 81th anniversary of 1944 Warsaw Uprising
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EU court deals blow to Italy’s plans for migrant camps in Albania
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Russian-made drone spotted in Lithuania found by army
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France sees ‘no legal basis’ to save contraceptives US wants to destroy
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Putin offers no hint of concessions as he says he wants ‘stable’ peace in Ukraine
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Zelenskyy speaks with UK’s Starmer on Russia, drones, and push for leaders’ talks
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‘Get specific,’ senior aide Yermak tells Russia as he backs Zelenskyy’s call for leaders’ summit
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Zelenskyy calls for direct talks with Putin on ending Ukraine war
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Russian goals unchanged, with troops advancing, Putin says, but backs further talks with Ukraine
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German delivery ‘combined … with appeal to partners to provide’ more Patriot systems, ministry says
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Germany to deliver two Patriot systems to Ukraine with first elements in ‘coming days,’ defence minister says
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Aftermath of Russian strikes on Kyiv – in pictures
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Ukraine talks with senior security officials from UK, Germany, France, Italy on Russian attacks, next steps with US
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31 confirmed dead in Kyiv attacks, Zelenskyy says, as he calls for strengthened sanctions on Russia
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28 dead in Kyiv strikes after two more bodies retrieved, prime minister says
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Morning opening: Death toll in Kyiv rises to 26 as Ukraine calls for UN security council meeting
Poland marks 81th anniversary of 1944 Warsaw Uprising
Poland marked the 81st anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, with sirens wailing across the country’s capital and traffic coming to a halt to commemorate the largest military effort taken by a European resistance movement during the second world war.
Every year, the entire city take part in dozens of events around the anniversary, joined by dwindling number of veterans in attendance, with the Warsaw Uprising Museum playing a central role to the proceedings.
EU court deals blow to Italy’s plans for migrant camps in Albania
Europe’s top court questioned the legitimacy of the “safe countries” list Italy uses to send migrants to Albania and fast-track their asylum claims, in a fresh blow to a key plank of the government’s migration policy, Reuters reported.
Conservative prime minister Giorgia Meloni’s office, in a statement, called the court ruling “surprising” and said it “weakens policies to combat mass illegal immigration and defend national borders.”
Reuters noted that the Luxembourg-based ECJ said Italy is authorised to fast-track asylum rejections for nationals coming from countries on a “safe” list – a principle at the heart of the Albania scheme.
It also said Italy is free to decide which countries are “safe”, but also warned that such a designation should meet strict legal standards and allow applicants and courts to access and challenge the supporting evidence.
The ECJ said that a country might not be classified “safe” if it does not offer adequate protection to its entire population, effectively agreeing with Italian judges that had raised this issue last year, Reuters said.
Russian-made drone spotted in Lithuania found by army
The Lithuanian army has found a drone, believed to be Russian-made, that entered Lithuania from Belarusian airspace earlier this week, amid concerns about growing Russian provocations.
AFP noted that the drone entered Lithuania in the early hours of Monday, with members of the public recording its flight over parts of the country’s capital Vilnius before it disappeared.
The military said in a statement that it believed it to be a Gerbera decoy drone, which it uses during its invasion of Ukraine with the aim to overhelm and distract air defences, AFP said.
The drone was found in the Gaiziunai military training grounds, near a town that hosts the international Nato battalion.
A similar incident happened earlier this month, with some the country’s leaders getting moved to bomb shelters in response.
France sees ‘no legal basis’ to save contraceptives US wants to destroy
France said it could not seize women’s contraception products estimated to be worth $9.7m that the United States plans to destroy, after media reports suggested the stockpile would be incinerated in the country.
The contraceptives – intended for some of the world’s poorest countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa – were bought by the US foreign aid agency USAID under former president Joe Biden.
The administration of Biden’s successor Donald Trump, which has slashed USAID and pursued anti-abortion policies, confirmed last month it planned to destroy the contraceptives, which have been stored in a warehouse in the Belgian city of Geel.
France’s government has come under pressure to save the contraceptives, with women’s rights groups calling the US decision “insane”.
But France’s health ministry told AFP today there was no legal way for it to intervene.
The health ministry told AFP that the government had “examined the courses of action available to us, but unfortunately there is no legal basis for intervention by a European health authority, let alone the French national drug safety authority, to recover these medical products.
“Since contraceptives are not drugs of major therapeutic interest, and in this case we are not facing a supply shortage, we have no means to requisition the stocks,” it added.
Jakub Krupa
Let’s quickly catch up on other European news today.
Putin offers no hint of concessions as he says he wants ‘stable’ peace in Ukraine
Shaun Walker
in Kyiv
Vladimir Putin has said he wants a “lasting and stable peace” in Ukraine but given no indication that he is willing to make any concessions to achieve it, after a week in which Russian missiles and drones again caused death and destruction across Ukraine.
“We need a lasting and stable peace on solid foundations that would satisfy both Russia and Ukraine, and would ensure the security of both countries,” said Putin, speaking to journalists on Friday, a week before a new deadline imposed by Donald Trump for hostilities to cease.
Trump has said if Russia and Ukraine do not come to an agreement to end the war by next Friday, 8 August, he will impose a package of economic sanctions on Russia.
Before he took office, Trump had promised to end the war in 24 hours, but since he became president his repeated overtures to Putin have achieved minimal results.
In recent weeks, Trump has markedly changed his rhetoric on the conflict, appearing less conciliatory to Putin and more amenable to enhanced support for Ukraine. He called Russia’s continued attacks on civilian areas “disgusting” on Thursday.
Last month Trump said he was “disappointed” with Putin. “We’ll have a great conversation. I’ll say: ‘That’s good, I’ll think we’re close to getting it done,’ and then he’ll knock down a building in Kyiv,” he told the BBC.
Seemingly referencing Trump’s comments, Putin said on Friday: “As for any disappointments on the part of anyone, all disappointments arise from inflated expectations. This is a well-known general rule.”
The death toll from a series of Russian strikes on Kyiv in the early hours of Thursday rose sharply on Friday, to 31, after rescuers found more than a dozen bodies in the rubble of an apartment block that had collapsed after one of the strikes. There were five children among the dead, including a two-year-old, while 159 people were wounded in the attack, one of the worst to hit the Ukrainian capital in more than three years of full-scale war.
As to Putin’s claims that Russian army is advancing in Ukraine, an AFP analysis of data from the US-based Institute for the Study of War, or ISW, appears to confirm that claim.
AFP said that Russia’s military advance accelerated for a fourth straight month in July, with greatest gains since November.
In one month, the Russian army took 713 square kilometres (275 square miles) of Ukrainian territory, while the Ukrainians reclaimed 79 square kilometres, the analysis said.
This has resulted in a net gain of 634 square kilometres compared with 588 square kilometres in June, 507 square kilometres in May, 379 square kilometres in April, and 240 square kilometres in March.
These figures include territories fully or partially controlled by Russia and those claimed by it.
Zelenskyy speaks with UK’s Starmer on Russia, drones, and push for leaders’ talks
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy has just disclosed that he spoke with UK prime minister Keir Starmer, discussing the need to scale up drone production and associated financial needs, and to move on sanctions.
The conversation started with Starmer’s condolences for the Russian attack on Kyiv, which killed 32, and their discussion on “how to stop the killings, provide greater protection for our people, and force Russia to end this war.”
The Ukrainian president said that, despite bullish rhethoric coming from Moscow, “Russia genuinely fears” sanctions, “no matter how hard it pretends that it couldn’t care less.”
“Sanctions are undoubtedly working – and there will be more. We are working with everyone on coordinated restrictive measures.”
Zelenskyy also said he spoke with Starmer about “coordination of actions” with US under Trump and “possible formats for peace negotiations at the level of leaders.”
He ended:
“We are also preparing for active diplomatic engagement with our partners in Europe and the United States. We aligned our positions ahead of upcoming international events.”
‘Get specific,’ senior aide Yermak tells Russia as he backs Zelenskyy’s call for leaders’ summit
Following Zelenskyy’s comments, his most senior aide Andriy Yermak said in his trademark blunt style that “it’s long past time for Russians to move from empty talks and living in a fantasy world to facing reality.”
He said that “a meeting of leaders is possible – it’s Russia that doesn’t want it.”
“Too many statements about ‘wanting peace’ while missile strikes continue — and not a single real step toward peace from Moscow.
Where is the ceasefire the United States proposed back in March – the one we agreed to?
President [Trump] is doing a great deal to achieve peace.
President Zelenskyy shares the principle of peace through strength.
It’s time for Russia to stop lying on the bench and start getting specific.”
Zelenskyy calls for direct talks with Putin on ending Ukraine war
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to Putin’s comments, repeating that Ukraine is ready for talks at the leaders’ level “at any time.”
“We have heard the statements coming out of Russia.
If these are signals of a genuine willingness to end the war with dignity and establish a truly lasting peace – and not merely an attempt to buy more time for war or delay sanctions – then Ukraine once again reaffirms its readiness to meet at the level of leaders at any time.”
He continued by explaining why a direct meeting is needed to conduct talks.
“We understand who makes the decisions in Russia and who must end this war. The whole world understands this too,” he said.
“Ukraine proposes to move from exchanges of statements and technical-level meetings to talks between leaders.
The United States has proposed this.
Ukraine had supported it.
What is needed is Russia’s readiness.”
Zelenskyy also pointedly thanked US president Donald Trump for his work on ending the conflict, seemingly acknowledging how much depends on his response to Putin’s latest attacks.
In further lines from Putin, he also said that if anyone was disappointed in the outcome of peace talks to date, that was a consequence of inflated expectations.
Instead, he insisted, further conversations should be conducted “without cameras and in a calm atmosphere.“
Putin also repeated a claim that Russia captured the Ukrainian town of Chasiv Yar, which is denied by Ukraine.
Russian goals unchanged, with troops advancing, Putin says, but backs further talks with Ukraine
Russian president Vladimir Putin has said that Moscow’s goals in Ukraine remained unchanged and claimed that Russian troops are advancing “along entire frontline” in Ukraine.
In comments reported by Reuters, Putin also said that the new deadly Oreshnik missile system is now being mass produced, with first deliveries already made to the army.
At the same time, he said he hoped peace talks between Russia and Ukraine would continue, but warned against inflated expectations as to what can be realistically achieved.
He also insisted that the issue of the war would need to be addressed “in the context of European security as a whole,” which in the past was linked to his expansive security demands relating to large parts of central and eastern Europe.
Putin has been talking to the media alongside Belarussian autocratic president Alexander Lukashenko.
German delivery ‘combined … with appeal to partners to provide’ more Patriot systems, ministry says
We are getting a bit more detail on the Patriot deliveries from Germany, from the defence ministry’s press note.
Defence minister Boris Pistorius said Friday’s announcement “shows once again that Germany is by far Ukraine’s strongest supporter when it comes to air defence”.
“Germany is doing the groundwork to quickly meet Ukraine’s urgent current needs,” he said.
The note added that Germany also wanted to “combine this delivery with an appeal to our partners to promptly provide additional systems.”
AFP noted that aside from Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden have said they are willing to finance the systems under the deal.
Germany to deliver two Patriot systems to Ukraine with first elements in ‘coming days,’ defence minister says
Ukrainian defence minister Denis Shmyhal said in a statement that Germany will deliver two Patriot systems to Ukraine, starting with additional launchers “in the coming days.”
“In a second phase, over the next two to three months, further system components will be handed over,” he said.
Shmyhal, former prime minister, said that the move was “the result of joint efforts of the US, Germany and other Nato countries,” as he thanked his German and US counterparts, Boris Pistorius and Pete Hegseth.
“More air defence capabilities for Ukraine means more innocent lives saved!” he said.
Aftermath of Russian strikes on Kyiv – in pictures
Ukraine talks with senior security officials from UK, Germany, France, Italy on Russian attacks, next steps with US
Meanwhile, Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s top aide, said he spoke with senior security officials from the UK, France, Germany and Italy this morning, discussing the aftermath of the Russian attack on Kyiv and next steps in relations with the US.
“I am grateful to my colleagues for their sincere words of sympathy to our nation in connection with the latest barbaric shelling of Kyiv. There are already 31 dead, including five children. Russia continues its terror against civilians. We must strengthen our joint response,” he said.
The officials confirmed “positive signals” from the White House regarding its planned response to Russia, including “sanctions on Russian oil and secondary tariffs.”
They also discussed “the preparation of a historic bilateral agreement between Ukraine and the US” on security, which would be co-financed by European allies.
31 confirmed dead in Kyiv attacks, Zelenskyy says, as he calls for strengthened sanctions on Russia
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has just issued another update, saying that 31 people were confirmed dead, including five children, as the search and rescue operations were concluded this morning.
He said:
“Once again, this vile strike by Russia demonstrates the need for increased pressure on Moscow and additional sanctions. No matter how much the Kremlin denies their effectiveness, sanctions do work – and they must be strengthened.
They must target everything that enables such attacks to continue. It is also crucial that the world does not remain silent about them.
I thank everyone who has supported our people. We value the fact that President Trump, European leaders, and other partners clearly see what is happening and condemn Russia.”
Zelenskyy added that in July alone, Russia used over 3,800 dones and 260 missiles, including 128 ballistic, against Ukraine.
“This can only be stopped through joint efforts – by America, Europe, and other global actors. Every engagement matters. Every day matters,” he said.
28 dead in Kyiv strikes after two more bodies retrieved, prime minister says
Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed that the death doll has risen to 28 this morning, after two more bodies, including of a two-year-old child, were retrieved from the rubbles.
She said:
“Entire families murdered in their homes, including children.
The world possesses every instrument required to ensure Russia is brought to justice. What is lacking is not power — but will.”
Morning opening: Death toll in Kyiv rises to 26 as Ukraine calls for UN security council meeting
Jakub Krupa
The death toll from Thursday’s Russian attack on Kyiv has risen to 26 with over 150 injured, making it one of the deadliest attacks on the capital since the start of the full-scale war in 2022.
Responding to the attack, Ukraine called for an emergency meeting of the UN security council this afternoon as it seeks to unite its allies and ramp up pressure on Russia to end the war.
Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said the meeting, scheduled for afternoon European time, will be a platform for countries to make it clear where they stand.
“Putin rejects peace efforts and wants to prolong his war. And the world has the necessary strength to stop him – by united pressure and principled position in favor of a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire,” he said.
Andriy Yermak, the most senior aide to president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, did not mince his words reacting to the news this morning as he spoke of “Russian murderers.”
US president Donald Trump, who recently set a new deadline for Russia to end the invasion until 8 August, told journalists that it was “disgusting what they are doing.”
“We’re going to put sanctions. I don’t know that sanctions bother him,” the US president said, referring to Putin.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who currently is in Israel, will be told to visit Russia next, he added.
Elsewhere, I will be keeping an eye on the latest on the EU-US trade, after Trump signed his executive order, but delayed the effects of sanctions by a week, until 7 August. You can follow market reactions on our business blog, too.
I will bring you all key updates from across Europe here.
It’s Friday, 1 August 2025, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.