Kremlin confirms upcoming meeting between Trump and Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had earlier expressed willingness to meet with Putin, but Moscow has so far rejected the offer
The Kremlin today (7 August) confirmed that an upcoming meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump has been agreed upon, as a new Gallup poll revealed a growing desire among Ukrainians for a negotiated end to the ongoing war.
Russian foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov said that while the venue has been decided, details of the meeting will be announced at a later date.
This would mark the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since Trump returned to the White House earlier this year.
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Although a potential meeting is seen as a key development in the over three-year-long conflict, there are no guarantees that it will result in peace, as both sides remain entrenched in their respective positions.
Ukrainians shifting towards peace talks
Gallup's latest survey signals a significant change in public sentiment in Ukraine. In contrast to 2022, when nearly 75% of Ukrainians supported fighting until victory, the latest data shows that just around 25% now share that view.
About 70% of respondents now favour negotiations to reach a settlement.
The poll, conducted in early July among Ukrainians aged 15 and older, excluded areas under long-term Russian control. It comes amid intensifying battles along the 1,000 kilometre front line, where Russia's larger military force continues to make slow advances.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, over 12,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed in Russian strikes, according to the United Nations.
US approval drops, Germany gains favour
Ukrainian public approval of the United States government has seen a sharp decline, dropping from 66% three years ago to just 16% in the latest poll.
This reflects increasing unease over Washington's stance under President Trump, who took office in January.
By contrast, approval of Germany's leadership has risen to 63%, up from previous years, highlighting shifting attitudes among Ukrainians towards key Western allies.
Diminishing hope for NATO and EU membership
Optimism over Ukraine's accession to NATO and the European Union has also declined. Only one-third of Ukrainians now believe the country will join NATO within the next decade, a drop from two-thirds in 2022.
About one-third believe NATO membership will never happen.
Regarding EU membership, 52% expect Ukraine to join within ten years, down from 73% in 2022.
Meanwhile, Trump has issued a deadline for Russia to halt its military operations by tomorrow (8 August) or face tougher economic sanctions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had earlier expressed willingness to meet with Putin, but Moscow has so far rejected the offer, holding firm to its demands.
