Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1244 EAT on Wednesday 13 August 2025

As diplomatic efforts continue, the war on the ground shows no sign of slowing. Russia launched 49 drones into Ukraine overnight, according to the Ukrainian military, with several regions reporting casualties and damage.

In the Kherson region, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service reports that one person was killed when a residential building was struck.

In the eastern city of Kostyantynivka in Donetsk, two people were killed and one injured, according to regional governor Vadym Filashkin. At least 12 houses were damaged in the attack.

Filashkin added that Russian forces shelled settlements in the Donetsk region 30 times in the past 24 hours, continuing a relentless bombardment of civilian areas.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military claims to have struck several key targets inside Russia, including the Unecha oil pumping station, as part of its ongoing campaign to hit strategic infrastructure.

In response, Russia’s air force reports it shot down 17 Ukrainian drones this morning over the Belgorod region, and claims to have destroyed 46 more overnight.

Volodymyr Zelensky will be “delighted” to have the chance to put his views to European leaders and Donald Trump, the former UK ambassador to Ukraine says.

Leigh says that Ukraine’s president is “very concerned a deal is going to be made over the heads” of his government at the summit between the US and Russian leaders in Alaska on Friday.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and other European allies are expected to urge Donald Trump to uphold Ukraine’s territorial integrity as he prepares for talks with Vladimir Putin, says political analyst James Turner.

“They’ll be hoping to bend Trump’s ear on the importance of not conceding Ukrainian territory in any future deal with Russia,” Turner said.

Asked how receptive Trump might be, Turner noted that there are still “a lot of conflicting signals” surrounding the former president’s stance—both on who he believes is to blame for the war and how a ceasefire should be achieved.

“All the signs point to a real risk that Trump may be willing to sell out Ukraine—to give Russia exactly what it wants,” Turner warned.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will join today’s meeting between Donald Trump and European leaders virtually from Berlin, according to his spokesperson.

While in Berlin, Zelensky is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to strengthen support for Ukraine.

Today’s talks come just days ahead of a scheduled meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, heightening concern among Ukraine’s allies about the direction of any potential deal.

General Sir Richard Shirreff, former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, has cast doubt on the outcome of Friday’s highly anticipated meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, saying there is “not a chance” it will lead to peace.

Shirreff’s remarks reflect growing skepticism among Western military and diplomatic figures about the potential for any meaningful resolution to the war in Ukraine emerging from the talks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has “not stepped back one iota” from his core demands, which include forcing Ukraine to adopt neutral status, significantly reduce its military capabilities, and abandon its aspirations to join NATO, says former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Sir Richard Shirreff.

Asked what must happen for meaningful peace talks to begin, Shirreff said Russia must first recognise Ukraine’s constitution, its sovereignty, and President Volodymyr Zelensky as the legitimate head of state.

“But for that to happen,” he added, “Russia needs to get a really bloody nose—and that will require proper strategic thinking from NATO and the United States.”

Shirreff’s remarks reflect growing concern among military leaders that without a decisive shift in Western strategy, Moscow will remain emboldened in its aggression.

Zelensky Urges Pressure on Russia to Secure ‘Just Peace’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for increased international pressure on Russia, warning that there is “no sign” Moscow is preparing to end the war.

In a statement posted on X, Zelensky urged allies to remain vigilant:

“Pressure must be exerted on Russia for the sake of a just peace.”

He added that the collective experience of Ukraine and its partners should be used to “prevent deception by Russia.”

“There is currently no indication that the Russians are preparing to end the war,” he wrote.

Zelensky expressed confidence that coordinated efforts between Ukraine, the U.S., Europe, and other allied nations can ultimately force Moscow to the negotiating table:

“By working together, we will definitely compel Russia to make peace.”

European Leaders Meet with Trump Ahead of High-Stakes Putin Talks

Today’s talks between European leaders—including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—and Donald Trump come just days before a scheduled face-to-face meeting between the U.S. and Russian presidents on Friday.

That looming summit is raising concern among European allies, reports our Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse.

“What they’re calling for is Ukraine’s direct involvement in any discussions that could shape its future,” Waterhouse says.

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