UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy (C) welcomes senior Ukrainian official Andrii Yermak (R) and Rustem Umerov (L) at Chevening House in Kent, England, August 9, 2025 (UK Foreign Office)

EA on RTE and BBC: Why Ukraine Will Survive Trump-Putin Meeting

Saturday’s Coverage: Trump to Meet Putin in Alaska on Friday

UPDATE 1734 GMT:

Ukrainian drones have struck the Lukoil-Ukhta oil refinery in Russia’s Komi Republic, around 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

The strike is the first confirmed attack on Russian facilities in Komi in the northwest of the country.

Ukrainian military intelligence said a petroleum tank was hit, and a gas condensate processing plant was damaged. Residents reported power and mobile internet outages in Ukhta. Flights at the airport were temporarily suspended.

UPDATE 1726 GMT:

At least 12 civilians have been injured by Russian attacks with two guided aerieal bombs on Zaporizhzhia city in southern Ukraine.

The Russians hit a bus station and a university medical clinic. More victims may be trapped under the rubble, as emergency workers carry out search and rescue.

The city administration said, “The bus station on a weekend evening is a place of meetings, travel and homecomings. Today it has become a place of pain and loss. Russia continues to fight with civilians.”

UPDATE 1113 GMT:

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has followed up on planning between Ukrainian and European officials.

The end of the war must be fair, and I am grateful to everyone who stands with Ukraine and our people today for the sake of peace in Ukraine, which is defending the vital security interests of our European nations.

Ukraine values and fully supports the statement by President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Tusk, Prime Minister Starmer, President Ursula von der Leyen, and President Stubb on peace for Ukraine.

UPDATE 0714 GMT:

Ukrainian drones have attacked an oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region, more than 850 km (528 miles) southeast of Moscow, setting a large fire.

Videos on Russian social media showed drones overhead and the activation of air defense systems. Residents reported a loud explosion before flames engulfed the refinery.

Saratov Governor Roman Busargin confirmed damage at an “industrial site”.

UPDATE 0708 GMT

Ukraine’s air defenses downed 70 of 100 drones launched by Russia overnight. The other 30 struck 12 locations across regions including Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv.

ORIGINAL ENTRY: Ukraine and its European partners met US counterparts near London on Saturday, preparing for the uncertainty of Donald Trump’s photo opportunity with Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.

Saturday’s conference at Chevening House in Kent included Ukraine advisors such as Presidential Chief of Staff Andrii Yermak and head of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov; UK Foreign Minister David Lammy; and US Vice President J.D. Vance.

As he announced his long-desired appearance with Putin, Trump dropped his deadline for Russia to cease fire, including daily, deadly drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian civilians. Instead, the Kremlin has reportedly prepared an ultimatum for Ukraine to give up all of the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, as well as Crimea and parts of the southern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

Ukraine and the Europeans rejected the demand for the cession of the regions, and countered with the proposal of a ceasefire before further terms are discussed. Territory will only be exchanged on a reciprocal basis.

The European officials emphasized that European Union representatives should be involved in any negotiation with Russia, reiterating that Ukraine’s future cannot be discussed without Kyiv’s participation.

On Saturday evening, the leaders of the participating European countries — France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland — and the UK and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a joint statement.

We welcome President Trump’s work to stop the killing in Ukraine, end the Russian Federation’s war of aggression, and achieve just and lasting peace and security for Ukraine.

We are convinced that only an approach that combines active diplomacy, support to Ukraine and pressure on the Russian Federation to end their illegal war can succeed.

We stand ready to support this work diplomatically as well as by upholding our substantive military and financial support to Ukraine.

Zelensky: “Ceasefire”

Noting that “we see no shifts in Russia’s position”, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky made clear on Saturday, “Ukrainians will not give their land to occupiers.” He said in his nightly address to the nation:

What is needed now is not a pause in the killings, but a real, lasting peace. Not a ceasefire sometime in the future, in months, but immediately. President Trump told me so, and I fully support it.

He said the UK meeting was “constructive” and concluded:

The path to peace for Ukraine must be determined together with Ukraine – this is fundamental. It is important that joint approaches and a shared vision work toward genuine peace. A consolidated position. Ceasefire. End of occupation. End of war.

French President Emmanuel Macron added: