World
Mediterranean states say adrift Russian tanker poses 'imminent and serious' threat
Reuters Italy, France and seven other nations told the European Commission that a Russian liquefied natural gas tanker adrift in the Mediterranean represents an ecological threat, and they urged swift action, a letter showed on Monday. Russia's Foreign Ministry acknowledged that the vessel was adrift in the Mediterranean and said Russia's further involvement in resolving the situation depended on "concrete circumstances". The letter from EU states to the European Commission said the Arctic Metagaz was drifting in waters between Malta and Italy. Its state posed a "dual challenge" -- upholding maritime safety and preventing an ecological disaster against the background of EU sanctions imposed on Russia. "The precarious condition of the vessel, combined with the nature of its specialised cargo, gives rise to an imminent and serious risk of a major ecological disaster in the heart of the Union's maritime space," the letter seen by Reuters said. The EU said the vessel was part of Russia's "Shadow Fleet" intended to circumvent sanctions imposed in connection with Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Action to resolve the situation, including surveillance, monitoring and other technical support, risked "undermining the integrity, effectiveness and the deterrent value of the EU sanctions regime". Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement on the ministry website that Moscow was in touch with the vessel's owner and foreign "competent bodies". It had no crew, she said, and was carrying 700 metric tons of different types of fuel and "a substantial amount of natural gas". "The international legal norms applicable to the current situation imply the responsibility of coastal countries ... for resolving the situation with the drifting vessel and preventing an environmental disaster," Zakharova wrote. "Further involvement by the shipowner and Russia as the flag state will depend on the specific circumstances." Russia's Transport Ministry earlier this month said the Arctic Metagaz, carrying LNG from the Arctic port of Murmansk, was attacked by Ukrainian naval drones and said the weapons had been launched from the Libyan coast. Libya's maritime agency reported on March 4 that the vessel sank in waters between Libya and Malta after catching fire a day earlier. Kyiv has not claimed responsibility for any such attack.
US asked Ukraine for help fighting Iranian drones, Zelensky says
The US has asked Ukraine for help defending Gulf allies against Iranian drones, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.He said Ukraine's partners had been reaching out and there had been "requests from the American side".Zelensky said he had given instructions "to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the necessary security".Asked about the Ukrainian offer, US President Donald Trump said: "I'll take any assistance from any country."Earlier Zelensky had made clear Ukraine would help on condition that its own defence was not weakened and that there were diplomatic gains for Kyiv. He suggested, in particular, that Ukraine would be willing to swap its interceptor drones for more US Patriot air defences to protect against Russian ballistic missiles. He has spoken to counterparts across the Gulf - in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait - and is promising what he calls "concrete steps" to help them defend their military bases and civilian infrastructure from Iranian attack. Ukraine has for years been subject to strikes by Russian-made Shahed drones - one-way unmanned aircraft based on an Iranian design. The US has ceased direct military support under his administration but continues to provide vital intelligence that helps Ukraine both defend against drones and missiles, and strike targets deep within Russia.
UK to allow the US to take defensive action from British military bases - Starmer
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has just shared a video statement on X. He says the UK is going to allow the US to take defensive action from British military bases. "The US has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose," he says in a pre-recorded video. "We have taken the decision to accept this request to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risks and hitting countries that have not been involved."
The Trump administration indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing from 75 countries
The Trump administration has indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing for people from 75 countries, marking one of its most expansive efforts yet to restrict legal pathways to the United States. The freeze, which takes effect on 21 January, targets applicants officials deem likely to become a “public charge” – people who they believe may rely on government benefits for basic needs. According to a Wednesday state department cable obtained by the Guardian, the sweeping list cuts across every major region of the world, spanning countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and eastern Europe. According to the cable, exceptions include dual nationals with a valid passport for a country not on the list or if the applicant is able to demonstrate their travel would service an “America First” national interest. If a visa has already been approved but the visa has not been printed the consular officer “must refuse the case”. Here is the full list, which includes war-torn nations, US allies, and countries with long-standing migration ties to America: Afghanistan Albania Algeria Antigua and Barbuda Armenia Azerbaijan Bahamas Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belize Bhutan Bosnia and Herzegovina Brazil Myanmar Cambodia Cameroon Cape Verde Colombia Côte d’Ivoire Cuba Democratic Republic of the Congo Dominica Egypt Eritrea Ethiopia Fiji The Gambia Georgia Ghana Grenada Guatemala Guinea Haiti Iran Iraq Jamaica Jordan Kazakhstan Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Liberia Libya North Macedonia Moldova Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Nepal Nicaragua Nigeria Pakistan Republic of the Congo Russia Rwanda St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Vincent and the Grenadines Senegal Sierra Leone Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Tanzania Thailand Togo Tunisia Uganda Uruguay Uzbekistan Yemen
NATO's Rutte warns allies they are Russia's next target
NATO chief Mark Rutte on Thursday urged allies to step up defence efforts to prevent a war waged by Russia, that could be "on the scale of war our grandparents and great-grandparents endured." In a speech in Berlin, Rutte said too many allies of the military alliance did not feel the urgency of Russia's threat in Europe and that they must rapidly increase defence spending and production to prevent a war on the scale of that seen by past generations. "We are Russia's next target. I fear that too many are quietly complacent. Too many don't feel the urgency. And too many believe that time is on our side. It is not. The time for action is now," Rutte said. "Conflict is at our door. Russia has brought war back to Europe. And we must be prepared," he added. Russia could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years, Rutte said.
EU Hands Visa Liberalization Plan To Armenia
More than a year after launching official talks on visa liberalization with the European Union, Armenia has received from Brussels an action plan outlining the steps the country must take to qualify for visa-free travel. Armenia’s Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsian met on Wednesday with Johannes Luchner, Deputy Director-General for Migration and Home Affairs of the European Commission, who visited Yerevan to present the plan to the Armenian side. According to Sargsian, the action plan serves as a strategic framework for reforms in citizen mobility and public security and represents a “key stage in strengthening trust and cooperation” between Armenia and the EU. During the meeting, the main directions of the action plan were reportedly discussed, with the EU official praising Armenia’s steps toward visa liberalization. The delivery of the action plan follows the launch of official visa liberalization talks between Armenia and the EU in September 2024. At that time, Armenian and EU officials outlined a process that focuses on crucial areas for eventual visa-free travel, including document security, border and migration management, the fight against corruption and organized crime as well as upholding fundamental rights. EU representatives have emphasized that all benchmarks must be fully met before the Council of the EU and the European Parliament can make a final decision. In March, the Armenian parliament passed a bill calling on the government to begin the process of applying for European Union membership. The bill, known as the EU Integration Act, was signed into law by the country’s president the following month, making it formally part of Armenia’s legislation.
US hits top Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil with sanctions
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday imposed Ukraine-related sanctions on Russia for the first time in his second term, targeting oil companies Lukoil and Rosneft as his frustration grows with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war. The U.S. Treasury Department said it was prepared to take further action as it called on Moscow to agree immediately to a ceasefire in Russia's war in Ukraine, which began in February. Trump's measure on Wednesday followed Britain's sanctioning of Rosneft and Lukoil last week. Analysts said the measures were a big step but long overdue. "This can't just be one and done," said Edward Fishman, a former U.S. official who is now a senior research scholar at Columbia University. He said the question will be whether the U.S. now threatens sanctions on anyone doing business with Rosneft and Lukoil. "Given President Putin’s refusal to end this senseless war, Treasury is sanctioning Russia’s two largest oil companies that fund the Kremlin’s war machine," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. "We encourage our allies to join us in and adhere to these sanctions." The sanctions are a major policy shift for Trump, who had not put sanctions on Russia over the war and instead relied on trade measures. Trump imposed additional 25% tariffs on goods from India in retaliation for it purchasing discounted Russian oil. The U.S. has not imposed the tariffs on China, another major buyer of Russian oil. A $60 price cap on Russian oil imposed by Western countries after Russia's invasion has shifted Russia's oil customers in recent years from Europe to Asia.
UK sanctions Russia's oil giants over Ukraine war
Britain is targeting Russia's largest oil companies and the country's "shadow fleet" of oil tankers in a bid to cut off Vladimir Putin's ability to fund the war in Ukraine. The UK government is also pursuing a major Indian oil refinery and four Chinese oil terminals in a package of 90 new sanctions. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the move was expected to have a significant impact on Russia's economy and its ability to sustain military operations in Ukraine. "We are sending a clear signal: Russian oil is off the market," she said ahead of a meeting in Washington DC with global counterparts to discuss Russian sanctions. The announcement comes as the G7, a grouping of some of the world's most advanced economies, prepares to consider a plan to effectively seize hundreds of billions from the proceeds of Russian investments, frozen since the invasion of Ukraine. A vast bulk of Russia's assets are held as cash at the European Central Bank, after its underlying bond investments matured. The European Union (EU), where the bulk of funds are held, had been reluctant to pursue the wider plan, but appears to be developing a way round legal concerns. It will be considered at an EU summit next week. Ukraine has significant funding needs as the war continues, both in arms and reconstruction. Earlier this year, the UK joined the US in directly sanctioning energy companies Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas. At the time the then Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, had said it would "drain Russia's war chest – and every ruble we take from Putin's hands helps save Ukrainian lives". The US separately has discussed putting additional tariffs on goods from China, up to 500%, tied to Beijing's purchases of Russian oil. But Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Wednesday that the US would not take that step unless Europe agreed to do something similar. "We will respond if our European partners will join us," he said.
Mediators Egypt, Qatar and Turkey sign with Trump document on Gaza ceasefire deal
Mediators Egypt, Qatar and Turkey signed on Monday with U.S. President Donald Trump a document on the Gaza ceasefire deal. The document was signed during the international summit hosted by Egypt in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh on the deal. "This took 3,000 years to get to this point. Can you believe it? And it's going to hold up too. It's going to hold up,” Trump said in the middle of signing the document. Trump also delivered remarks in which touted the breakthrough as a turning point for the region. "This is the day that people across this region and around the world have been working, striving, hoping, and praying for. They have done things over the last month that I think were really unthinkable. Nobody thought this could happen. With the historic agreement we have just signed, those prayers of millions have finally been answered," Trump said.
Zelensky Says Russian Officials Should End War Or Find 'Bomb Shelters'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that the Kremlin will become a target and Russian officials should check for bomb shelters if Moscow does not stop its invasion of his country, Axios reported Thursday. Zelensky said that Ukrainian policy would also now put previously off-limits targets in the crosshairs, Axios reported. "They have to know where their bomb shelters are," Zelensky told Axios in an interview. "They need it. If they will not stop the war, they will need it in any case." Answering criticism from US President Donald Trump and his right-wing government over the indefinite suspension of elections in wartime Ukraine, Zelensky also told Axios that he would not seek to remain in power once peace comes. "My goal is to finish the war," not to continue to run for office, he said. Zelensky said Ukraine would not target civilians in Russia because "we are not terrorists." However, he indicated that Ukraine hopes to obtain a more powerful US weapon, which he did not name, to threaten strikes deep inside Russia. Axios quoted Zelensky as saying he had told Trump during a meeting in New York this week "what we need -- one thing." "If we will have such long-distance weapons from the United States, we will use it," he said in a clip of the interview released by Axios.
Türkiye, US sign deal to deepen partnership in nuclear energy
Türkiye and the US signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday to deepen their partnership in the nuclear energy field. As part of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to the White House, the two countries initiated a process that will further deepen the two countries' deep-rooted and multidimensional partnership in the field of nuclear energy, the Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal. "We signed the memorandum of understanding on Strategic Civilian Nuclear Cooperation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the presence of the leaders," the minister stated. He added: "I hope that the work to be carried out within the scope of the agreement will produce mutual benefits for both countries in the coming period."
NATO launches “Eastern Sentry” to bolster posture along eastern flank
On Friday (12 September 2025), NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Alexus G. Grynkewich held a joint press conference to outline NATO’s response to the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones two days earlier. Rutte announced the launch of “Eastern Sentry,” a military activity aimed to bolster NATO’s posture along the eastern flank. Commencing in the coming days, Eastern Sentry will involve a range of Allied assets and feature both traditional capabilities and novel technologies, including elements designed to address challenges associated with drones. “Eastern Sentry will add flexibility and strength to our posture,” said the Secretary General. He thanked General Grynkewich for his responsive leadership both in the context of the incursions on 10 September and in guiding the design of this new activity, as well as Admiral Pierre Vandier, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, for his role in promoting innovative solutions to new challenges, including those posed by the use of drones. At a meeting of the North Atlantic Council on Wednesday (10 September 2025), Allies discussed the situation in light of Poland’s request for Article 4 consultations. Rutte noted that while this was the largest concentration of violations of NATO airspace, “what happened on Wednesday was not an isolated incident. Russia’s recklessness in the air along our eastern flank is increasing in frequency.” The Secretary General highlighted that NATO’s core task to deter aggression and defend every Ally underlines the importance of safeguarding the eastern flank. “This is why we have forward land forces deployed in eight countries, with contributions from every Ally supporting these contingents, and plans in place to scale up our presence if and when required,” he said. He added that Allies across Europe and North America work together every day on strengthening air defences and protecting critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.
Zelensky announces faster air defense deliveries after deadly Russian strikes
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept. 1 that the delivery of additional air defense systems would be accelerated to shield Ukraine from Russian missile and drone attacks. The announcement followed intensified Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure, including the Aug. 28 attack on Kyiv that killed 25 people. "We are accelerating the supply of additional air defense systems to enhance protection against missiles," Zelensky wrote on X, without naming any specific agreement. "We count on the maximum efforts of Ukrainian diplomats in their contacts with partners." Zelensky instructed National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov to coordinate with officials, regional authorities, and energy companies to procure more short- and medium-range systems and increase funding for drone manufacturers. The president also said Ukraine is preparing a Technological Staff meeting with domestic producers of missiles, drones, and air defense systems. "The priority is intercepting 'Shaheds,'" he wrote. "We also discussed the protection of networks and energy facilities in front-line and border communities, along with backup supply." Shahed-type drones, mass-produced in Russia from Iranian designs, have become central to Moscow's long-range strikes. Overnight on Aug. 31, Russia struck Odesa Oblast's energy grid with the drones, leaving more than 29,000 consumers without power. Ukraine has made countering Shaheds a core defense priority for 2025 as Russia scales up drone production.
Germany's Merz expects Ukraine war to last a long time
BERLIN, Aug 31 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Sunday he was braced for the Ukraine war to last a long time given that wars usually end in military defeat or economic exhaustion, scenarios he does not see on the horizon for either Kyiv or Moscow. Merz's comments come a day before the expiry of a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for a meeting between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine with a view to paving the way for peace talks. Trump has threatened "consequences" if the meeting does not take place.
EU head von der Leyen's plane landing on Sunday hit by suspected Russian GPS interference, FT says
A suspected Russian interference attack disabled GPS navigation services at a Bulgarian airport and forced a plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to land at Plovdiv on Sunday using paper maps, the Financial Times reported, citing three officials familiar with the matter.
Armenia, UK agree to upgrade ties to Strategic Partnership
On 26 August 2025, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Mr. Vahan Kostanyan, and the Minister of State for Europe, North America and the Overseas Territories of the United Kingdom, the Rt Hon Stephen Doughty MP, held the second round of the Armenia-UK Strategic Dialogue in Yerevan. Building on the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Dialogue held in London in 2023, the two parties reviewed the progress achieved and reaffirmed the importance of regular high-level exchanges to further strengthen and expand the bilateral partnership between Armenia and the United Kingdom, the parties said in a joint communiqué. The parties reiterated their unwavering commitment to democracy, rule of law, and the protection of fundamental human rights both regionally and globally, based on shared values, respect for international law, democratic principles, and a rules-based international order. The Armenian side briefed on the country’s ongoing democratic transformation, including efforts in strengthening democracy, advancing the rule of law and protection of human rights, enhancing anti-corruption measures. The United Kingdom commended Armenia’s progress and reiterated its support for the continuation of these reforms. The parties agreed to upgrade the relationship to a Strategic Partnership. Both parties discussed expanding cooperation in the areas of security and defence, including future high-level engagements, the exchange of defence attachés, and closer cooperation in the fields of cyber security and countering hybrid threats. In the context of upgrading the relationship, the importance of continuing to deepen economic ties was underscored by both parties. The parties looked forward to furthering business relations and to drive growth through collaboration, including support for Armenia’s inclusive economic development, reform and diversification in partnership with International Financial Institutions. The parties discussed the Armenia/UK Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Armenia recognised the potential of United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF) to further boost trade and investment. The parties also welcomed the growth of people-to-people contacts and emphasised the significance of further cooperation in education, culture, and professional exchange. Turning to regional and international issues, the parties exchanged views on key developments, including the situation in the Middle East. Special attention was given to the South Caucasus. The United Kingdom welcomed the recent agreements reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Washington D.C., emphasizing that these represent a decisive step towards full normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, based on mutual recognition of each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognised borders in line with the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration. The parties reaffirmed the importance of the opening of communications between Armenia and Azerbaijan for the promotion of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and in its neighborhood on the basis of reciprocity and respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction of the States. The parties also discussed the “Crossroads of Peace” initiative as a platform for enhanced regional connectivity and economic cooperation. Looking ahead, the parties discussed Armenia's hosting of two major international events in 2026: The European Political Community Summit and the 17th Conference of the parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17). The United Kingdom expressed its readiness to support Armenia in the successful organisation of COP17, ensuring that the conference delivers concrete and meaningful outcomes. The Dialogue concluded with a mutual reaffirmation of the shared commitment to deepen bilateral relations and expand close collaboration by establishing a Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Armenia and the United Kingdom
Ukraine to mass produce long-range Flamingo missile in winter, Zelensky says
Ukraine is planning to begin mass production of its domestically developed long-range Flamingo cruise missile this winter, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a meeting with journalists on Aug. 20. Having its own long-range missile capabilities could be a game changer for Ukraine in its efforts to undermine Russia's war machine deep behind enemy lines. Zelensky said that Flamingo had undergone successful tests, describing it as "the most successful" missile Ukraine currently has. The Flamingo missile is capable of flying up to 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles), he claimed. "By December, we’ll have more of them. And by the end of December or in January–February, mass production should begin," the president said. The Flamingo missile was first publicly revealed on Aug. 17, when Associated Press (AP) photojournalist Efrem Lukatsky published a photo of it.
US will give Ukraine 'very good protection', Trump says
As Trump greeted Zelensky at the door, reporters asked questions at the US president. What is your message to the Ukrainian people?, he is asked. "We love them," Trump says briefly as he posed for photos with Zelensky before the two walked inside. Trump and Zelensky are now seated together in the Oval Office, where they are addressing reporters. Trump thanks Zelensky for being in the US today and said "progress is being made" to put an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine. He says he had a "very good" meeting with Putin and there is "a good possibility that something could come out of it". Trump notes that seven world leaders are also in the US capital and he will speak with them after his talk with Zelensky. Trump is asked about giving Ukraine security guarantees and Nato-like protection as part of a peace settlement. The US president says that hasn't been discussed yet but "we will give them very good protection, very good security" to Kyiv. Trump is asked if the US will send "American peacekeepers" to Ukraine to secure a peace deal. "We're gonna work with Ukraine, we're gonna work with everybody" to make sure the peace is "very long term". The US will work with both Russia and Ukraine to "make sure it works", he adds. "If we can get to peace I know it's going to work. I have no doubt about it." Zelensky says he supports Trump's plans for 'diplomatic solution.' Zelensky is asked whether he would consider ceding territory. The Ukrainian leader says that "we need to stop the war, to stop Russia". Zelensky says Ukrainians are strong and that they support Trump's plans to end the war in a "diplomatic way". He says he wants to have a trilateral meeting with the US president and Russia's Vladimir Putin.
US halts worker visas for commercial truck drivers, Rubio says
The United States is immediately pausing the issuance of all worker visas for commercial truck drivers, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday. "The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers," Rubio said in a post on X. The administration of President Donald Trump has taken a series of steps to address concerns about foreign truck drivers who do not speak English. Trump in April signed an executive order directing enforcement of a rule requiring commercial drivers in the U.S. to meet English-proficiency standards.
There's no deal until there's a deal, says Trump
Trump and Putin have finished addressing the media in Anchorage. Both leaders described the talks as productive, and during a brief appearance before the media following the nearly three-hour meeting in Alaska, they said they had made progress on unspecified issues. But neither man offered details on the talks or took questions from reporters. "We've made some headway," Trump said, standing in front of a backdrop that read, "Pursuing Peace." "There's no deal until there's a deal," he added. The talks did not initially appear to have produced meaningful steps toward a ceasefire in the deadliest conflict in Europe in 80 years, a goal Trump had set ahead of the summit. Donald Trump says he and Putin had a productive meeting and that they made "some headway." He says he will call Nato allies and others, including Ukraine's Zelensky. He says a deal is "ultimately" up to them and they will have to agree. There's no deal until there's a deal, he says, adding that "great progress" was made but "we didn't get there". "I've always had a fantastic relationship with President Putin. Vladimir," Trump says, switching to the president's first name. He calls their meeting "extremely productive," but adds that some things are still to be decided. But we have a "very good chance" of further progress, he says. Putin, who made no mention of meeting Zelenskiy when speaking to reporters earlier, said he expected Ukraine and its European allies to accept the U.S.-Russia negotiation constructively and not try to "disrupt the emerging progress." Some key quotes from Putin's statement after the meeting with Trump on Friday. Translation by Reuters. ON RUSSIA-U.S. TIES "The past period was very difficult for bilateral relations. And, let's be honest, they have slid to the lowest point since the Cold War. And this is not good for our countries, or the world as a whole. Obviously, sooner or later, it was necessary to correct the situation, to move from confrontation to dialogue." ON UKRAINE "We see the desire of the U.S. administration and President Trump personally to facilitate the resolution of the Ukrainian conflict, his desire to delve into the essence and understand its origins." "All of Russia's legitimate concerns must be taken into account, and a fair balance in the security sphere in Europe and the world as a whole must be restored." "I agree with President Trump — he spoke about this today — that Ukraine's security must, without a doubt, be ensured. We are ready to work on this." "We expect that Kyiv and the European capitals will perceive all of this in a constructive manner and will not create any obstacles." ON ECONOMIC TIES "It is obvious that Russian-American business and investment partnership has enormous potential. Russia and the United States have something to offer each other in trade, energy, the digital sphere, high tech and space exploration." "I expect that today's agreements will become a reference point not only for solving the Ukrainian problem, but will also launch the restoration of business-like, pragmatic relations between Russia and the United States." ON COOPERATION WITH TRUMP "Overall we have established very good business-like and trusting contact with President Trump. And I have every reason to believe that by moving along this path, we can - the quicker the better - reach an end to the conflict in Ukraine." In a Fox News interview after the talks, Trump suggested a meeting would now be set up between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, which he might also attend, and said Ukraine needed to make a deal.
