Ukraine sees air ceasefire as start for peace talks

Mikhail Podolyak, advisor to the head of the Presidential Office, told Corriere della Sera.

"One of the scenarios proposed by the U.S. administration was a comprehensive ceasefire, which would also cover the impact of airstrikes, including missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian territory. None of these scenarios, however, were accepted by Russia. Aerial bombardments are a key tool Moscow uses to apply psychological pressure and influence our position."

He added that Russia continues attacks along the entire front line. "Russia is unlikely to give up using strategic aviation and mass drone deployments. However, Ukraine is ready to discuss this scenario and sees it as an initial stage for establishing realistic negotiation positions," Podolyak said.

He stressed that any ceasefire, especially a comprehensive one, is the starting point from which proper negotiations can begin.

Putin-Trump meeting in Alaska

On August 8, Bloomberg and WSJ reported that U.S. and Russian officials were exploring potential agreements that could end the war but would allow Russia to maintain control over occupied Ukrainian territories.

On the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump said a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine would involve some territorial exchanges. He later confirmed he would meet Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, August 15.

Ahead of the meeting, U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials are expected to coordinate joint positions. Media also reported that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could join the meeting, though on August 11, Trump noted that he would meet with Putin first, with a possible follow-up involving Zelenskyy or all three leaders.