Russia and Ukraine remain locked in a brutal war of attrition that has now crossed four and a half years. Amid the prolonged conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (September 03) hinted at his willingness to reach a deal to end the war, saying, "Ultimately, the problem must be resolved by the countries involved in the conflict – Russia and Ukraine. This is the correct approach."&nbsp;Putin also thanked several countries, including the United States and China, for their efforts to support a possible peace settlement. "We are grateful to all those who are trying to contribute to achieving a settlement. Is there a chance? In my opinion, yes."&nbsp;Speaking at an economic forum in the eastern part of the country, Putin accused Ukraine of carrying out attacks on civilian merchant ships and issuing “reported threats of attacks on civilian aircraft”. He described these as “acts of state terrorism” and said they “complicate the prospects for bilateral peace talks”.&nbsp;Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, meanwhile, warned airlines and insurance companies this week that Russian airspace had become dangerous because of the presence of Ukrainian drones. However, he said Ukraine would target only Russian military facilities and would not threaten civilian aircraft.&nbsp;The battle line has remained largely frozen for most of the conflict, turning the war into a prolonged battle of attrition. Peace talks have also remained stalled since February this year. At the same time, both sides have stepped up long-range air attacks on each other's territory and critical infrastructure.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belgium-latest-eu-state-cautioned-by-india-over-arms-for-pakistan-gets-assurances-from-brussels-1788418519449">Belgium, latest EU state cautioned by India over arms for Pakistan; gets assurances from Brussels</a><h3>Putin signals continued US engagement</h3>Putin said Russia was continuing its contacts with the administration of US President Donald Trump, which has been seeking to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;“We favour restoring full-scale relations with the United States. However, this does not depend on us alone; it depends on the American side. But from what I understand, sense, and observe, President Trump is committed to such positive, constructive engagement,” he said.&nbsp;According to Putin, contacts between Russia and the United States were continuing through their intelligence agencies and Trump's envoys. CIA chief John Ratcliffe met Russian spy chiefs in Moscow last week, although neither side has disclosed what was discussed during the meeting.<h3>Trump wants right time for another Putin summit</h3>Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has said he is ready to hold another summit with Putin, but wants the meeting to take place when Moscow is prepared to work towards a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;Asked whether Putin would agree to another summit in the near future, Trump said he believed the Russian leader would be willing to meet. However, he stressed that he wanted the meeting to happen at the right time.&nbsp;“He'd do it. I want it, but I want to do it when we're ready to do a peace deal,” Trump said to reporters at the Oval Office.

Putin signalled his willingness to pursue a deal to end the Ukraine war while US President Donald Trump said he was ready for another summit with Putin when the two sides are prepared to work towards a peace agreement.

Russia and Ukraine remain locked in a brutal war of attrition that has now crossed four and a half years. Amid the prolonged conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (September 03) hinted at his willingness to reach a deal to end the war, saying, "Ultimately, the problem must be resolved by the countries involved in the conflict – Russia and Ukraine. This is the correct approach." Putin also thanked several countries, including the United States and China, for their efforts to support a possible peace settlement. "We are grateful to all those who are trying to contribute to achieving a settlement. Is there a chance? In my opinion, yes." Speaking at an economic forum in the eastern part of the country, Putin accused Ukraine of carrying out attacks on civilian merchant ships and issuing “reported threats of attacks on civilian aircraft”. He described these as “acts of state terrorism” and said they “complicate the prospects for bilateral peace talks”. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, meanwhile, warned airlines and insurance companies this week that Russian airspace had become dangerous because of the presence of Ukrainian drones. However, he said Ukraine would target only Russian military facilities and would not threaten civilian aircraft. The battle line has remained largely frozen for most of the conflict, turning the war into a prolonged battle of attrition. Peace talks have also remained stalled since February this year. At the same time, both sides have stepped up long-range air attacks on each other's territory and critical infrastructure. Also Read: Belgium, latest EU state cautioned by India over arms for Pakistan; gets assurances from Brussels Putin signals continued US engagement Putin said Russia was continuing its contacts with the administration of US President Donald Trump, which has been seeking to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. “We favour restoring full-scale relations with the United States. However, this does not depend on us alone; it depends on the American side. But from what I understand, sense, and observe, President Trump is committed to such positive, constructive engagement,” he said. According to Putin, contacts between Russia and the United States were continuing through their intelligence agencies and Trump's envoys. CIA chief John Ratcliffe met Russian spy chiefs in Moscow last week, although neither side has disclosed what was discussed during the meeting. Trump wants right time for another Putin summit Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has said he is ready to hold another summit with Putin, but wants the meeting to take place when Moscow is prepared to work towards a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine. Asked whether Putin would agree to another summit in the near future, Trump said he believed the Russian leader would be willing to meet. However, he stressed that he wanted the meeting to happen at the right time. “He'd do it. I want it, but I want to do it when we're ready to do a peace deal,” Trump said to reporters at the Oval Office.

Putin signalled his willingness to pursue a deal to end the Ukraine war, while US President Donald Trump said he was ready for another summit with Putin when the two sides are prepared to work towards a peace agreement.

Putin signals openness to Ukraine deal, thanks US and China for peace efforts

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (July 28) &nbsp;welcomed his "good meeting" with US President Donald Trump at the White House, where the two leaders discussed fresh American support for Kyiv in its war against Russia.&nbsp;Zelensky said he and Trump discussed the US president's earlier offer to Ukraine of licences to produce Patriot air defence missiles.&nbsp;"A good meeting with President Trump... at the Oval Office," Zelensky posted on X.&nbsp;He later thanked Trump for joint efforts to protect Ukrainian lives and advance peace.&nbsp;"The President and I discussed licences for Patriot interceptor production and several other ideas that could help," Zelensky said. "We also spoke about diplomacy -- the diplomatic process must be reinvigorated."&nbsp;White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the meeting as "positive and productive".Zelensky seeks more Patriot missiles&nbsp;The meeting came as Ukraine faces continued Russian attacks, including the increased use of ballistic missiles that are difficult to intercept.&nbsp;Last month was the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since April 2022, according to the United Nations. A Ukrainian official stressed the importance of securing additional US-made Patriot missile systems for the country's air defence.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cjp-nationwide-protests-supreme-court-interim-order-firs-1785253170007">CJP claims SC's 'uninformed' interim order contradicts government assurances</a>&nbsp;"It is crucial that Washington approve the purchase of a package of Patriot missiles. That is super important," the official said.&nbsp;Relations between Zelensky and Trump have improved since the start of Trump's second term. Earlier this month, Trump suggested that Ukrainian strikes inside Russia could help bring an end to the war.&nbsp;Zelensky was also scheduled to attend a memorial ceremony for Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a strong supporter of Ukraine who died unexpectedly this month at the age of 71.&nbsp;Zelensky said he offered Trump his condolences over Graham's death and described the late senator as "a true friend of Ukraine."

Zelensky and Trump discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defences through Patriot missiles and advancing diplomatic efforts to achieve peace in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (July 28) welcomed his "good meeting" with US President Donald Trump at the White House, where the two leaders discussed fresh American support for Kyiv in its war against Russia. Zelensky said he and Trump discussed the US president's earlier offer to Ukraine of licences to produce Patriot air defence missiles. "A good meeting with President Trump... at the Oval Office," Zelensky posted on X. He later thanked Trump for joint efforts to protect Ukrainian lives and advance peace. "The President and I discussed licences for Patriot interceptor production and several other ideas that could help," Zelensky said. "We also spoke about diplomacy -- the diplomatic process must be reinvigorated." White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the meeting as "positive and productive". Zelensky seeks more Patriot missiles The meeting came as Ukraine faces continued Russian attacks, including the increased use of ballistic missiles that are difficult to intercept. Last month was the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since April 2022, according to the United Nations. A Ukrainian official stressed the importance of securing additional US-made Patriot missile systems for the country's air defence. Also Read: CJP claims SC's 'uninformed' interim order contradicts government assurances "It is crucial that Washington approve the purchase of a package of Patriot missiles. That is super important," the official said. Relations between Zelensky and Trump have improved since the start of Trump's second term. Earlier this month, Trump suggested that Ukrainian strikes inside Russia could help bring an end to the war. Zelensky was also scheduled to attend a memorial ceremony for Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a strong supporter of Ukraine who died unexpectedly this month at the age of 71. Zelensky said he offered Trump his condolences over Graham's death and described the late senator as "a true friend of Ukraine."

Zelensky and Trump discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defences through Patriot missiles and advancing diplomatic efforts to achieve peace in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Zelensky meets Trump at White House, seeks stronger US defence support

Massive protests surfaced in several Ukrainian cities on Thursday morning (July 16, 2026) against the removal of popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. During the protest, over a thousand people gathered on a central square, singing the Ukrainian national anthem, waving Ukrainian and EU flags, as well as chanting slogans "shame" and "bring Fedorov back". Appointed just six months ago, Fedorov had earned a reputation as a moderniser who attempted to bring reform in the Ukrainian military, which has been under the Russian invasion. His removal risks throwing uncertainty into the army at a time when Ukraine has gained one of its best positions in the conflict for months, slowing Russia's advance and pounding oil and military sites with long-range drones. Fedorov announced late Wednesday he was stepping down, saying it was a great honour to serve the Ukrainian people, amid a sweeping government reshuffle ordered by President Volodymyr Zelensky. No official reason was given for the decision, which protestors saw as part of infighting inside Ukraine's military establishment between Fedorov and commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-sheikh-hasina-wants-to-return-to-bangladesh-despite-death-sentence-and-what-it-means-for-india-wion-decodes-1784188338609">Why Sheikh Hasina wants to return to Bangladesh despite death sentence —and what it means for India | WION Decodes</a><h3>Who is Mykhailo Fedorov?</h3>Mykhailo Fedorov is a Ukrainian tech-focused reformer who served as the Minister of Defence of Ukraine for six months. Prior to his defence role, he gained international recognition as the Minister of Digital Transformation, during which he developed the highly successful Diia state services app and scaled up Ukraine’s "drone army". From 2019 to March 2023, he also served as a Deputy PM and Minister of Digital Transformation. On 21 March 2023, his duties and title were expanded to Deputy PM for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology – Minister for Digital Transformation. From 17 July 2025 to 13 January 2026, Fedorov acted as the First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and the Minister of Digital Transformation in the government of Yulia Svyrydenko.<h3>Education and political journey</h3>A graduate of Zaporizhzhya National University, he first gained public attention in 2012 after being elected "Student Mayor of Zaporizhzhia" during a local student festival. He later founded SMM Studio, a digital marketing company, before entering politics. Fedorov made his first electoral attempt in 2014, contesting the parliamentary election as a candidate of the 5.10 political party. However, the party failed to cross the electoral threshold and did not secure representation in parliament. Following Volodymyr Zelenskyy's presidential victory in 2019, Fedorov became an adviser to the new president. Later that year, he was elected to Ukraine's parliament on the Servant of the People party list and was appointed Minister of Digital Transformation in the Honcharuk government. As Digital Transformation Minister, Fedorov spearheaded the ambitious "state in a smartphone" initiative, which aimed to make all government services available online and simplify citizens' access to public services through digital platforms. Although funding for the project initially relied on international assistance and partnerships, the programme became one of Ukraine's flagship governance reforms. In 2023, after a brief dismissal, Fedorov was reappointed as Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Development of Education, Science and Technology while also returning as Minister of Digital Transformation. He further strengthened Ukraine's digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystem during the ongoing war. On January 14, 2026, Fedorov was appointed Ukraine's Minister of Defence after being nominated by President Zelenskyy. Upon taking office, he highlighted key challenges facing the military, including mobilisation shortages and desertions. However, his tenure lasted only about seven months. He was removed from office during a wider government reshuffle initiated by President Zelenskyy following the resignation of the prime minister and several cabinet ministers.

Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced late Wednesday he was stepping down, saying it was a great honour to serve the Ukrainian people, amid a sweeping government reshuffle ordered by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Massive protests surfaced in several Ukrainian cities on Thursday morning (July 16, 2026) against the removal of popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. During the protest, over a thousand people gathered on a central square, singing the Ukrainian national anthem, waving Ukrainian and EU flags, as well as chanting slogans "shame" and "bring Fedorov back". Appointed just six months ago, Fedorov had earned a reputation as a moderniser who attempted to bring reform in the Ukrainian military, which has been under the Russian invasion. His removal risks throwing uncertainty into the army at a time when Ukraine has gained one of its best positions in the conflict for months, slowing Russia's advance and pounding oil and military sites with long-range drones. Fedorov announced late Wednesday he was stepping down, saying it was a great honour to serve the Ukrainian people, amid a sweeping government reshuffle ordered by President Volodymyr Zelensky. No official reason was given for the decision, which protestors saw as part of infighting inside Ukraine's military establishment between Fedorov and commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky. Also read: Why Sheikh Hasina wants to return to Bangladesh despite death sentence —and what it means for India | WION Decodes Who is Mykhailo Fedorov? Mykhailo Fedorov is a Ukrainian tech-focused reformer who served as the Minister of Defence of Ukraine for six months. Prior to his defence role, he gained international recognition as the Minister of Digital Transformation, during which he developed the highly successful Diia state services app and scaled up Ukraine’s "drone army". From 2019 to March 2023, he also served as a Deputy PM and Minister of Digital Transformation. On 21 March 2023, his duties and title were expanded to Deputy PM for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology – Minister for Digital Transformation. From 17 July 2025 to 13 January 2026, Fedorov acted as the First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and the Minister of Digital Transformation in the government of Yulia Svyrydenko. Education and political journey A graduate of Zaporizhzhya National University, he first gained public attention in 2012 after being elected "Student Mayor of Zaporizhzhia" during a local student festival. He later founded SMM Studio, a digital marketing company, before entering politics. Fedorov made his first electoral attempt in 2014, contesting the parliamentary election as a candidate of the 5.10 political party. However, the party failed to cross the electoral threshold and did not secure representation in parliament. Following Volodymyr Zelenskyy's presidential victory in 2019, Fedorov became an adviser to the new president. Later that year, he was elected to Ukraine's parliament on the Servant of the People party list and was appointed Minister of Digital Transformation in the Honcharuk government. As Digital Transformation Minister, Fedorov spearheaded the ambitious "state in a smartphone" initiative, which aimed to make all government services available online and simplify citizens' access to public services through digital platforms. Although funding for the project initially relied on international assistance and partnerships, the programme became one of Ukraine's flagship governance reforms. In 2023, after a brief dismissal, Fedorov was reappointed as Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Development of Education, Science and Technology while also returning as Minister of Digital Transformation. He further strengthened Ukraine's digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystem during the ongoing war. On January 14, 2026, Fedorov was appointed Ukraine's Minister of Defence after being nominated by President Zelenskyy. Upon taking office, he highlighted key challenges facing the military, including mobilisation shortages and desertions. However, his tenure lasted only about seven months. He was removed from office during a wider government reshuffle initiated by President Zelenskyy following the resignation of the prime minister and several cabinet ministers.

Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced late Wednesday he was stepping down, saying it was a great honour to serve the Ukrainian people, amid a sweeping government reshuffle ordered by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Protest erupts in Ukraine after Zelensky removes Defence Minister? Who is he