World politics is in a phase of active change, where diplomacy, economics, and military operations are intertwined. The United States declares its desire to end the war between Ukraine and Russia, while the escalation around Iran continues. Ukraine offers Middle Eastern countries help in countering Iranian drones, expecting technological and financial support in return. The European Union is currently continuing sanctions against individuals and entities associated with Russian aggression.
Vance: Trump seeks to end the war in Ukraine and restore trade
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance stated, that President Donald Trump seeks to end the war between Ukraine and Russia and restore economic ties with both countries. Speaking at an event in North Carolina, Vance stressed that Washington's foreign policy should be aimed at ending hostilities and returning to economic cooperation.
"There has been a lot of discussion about what our foreign policy should be towards Ukraine and Russia. President Trump has been very clear on this - he wants the bloodshed to stop, he wants innocent people to stop dying, he wants to get back to trade," the vice president said.
J.D. Vance also noted that he fully supports the position of the American president.
"I admire this. Of course, I am subjective in my assessments, but I think it is the right idea," he said.
His statement came against the backdrop of ongoing international discussions about possible ways to end the war and the role of the United States in the diplomatic process. Washington continues to discuss the balance between support for Ukraine, sanctions policy against Russia and possible terms of a future peace agreement.
Zelensky offered cooperation to the Middle East in exchange for technology and funding
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated, that Kyiv expects financial support and technological cooperation from Middle Eastern countries in exchange for help in combating Iranian drones. According to him, Ukraine has already sent expert groups to several countries in the region for consultations on countering drone attacks. These include Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and the US military base in Jordan.
“This is not about participating in operations. We are not at war with Iran,” Zelensky stressed.
The president explained that the countries of the region are actively spending air defense missiles to intercept Iranian Shahed drones, while Ukraine is forced to repel similar Russian attacks every day. According to Zelensky, Kyiv is ready to share experience, but expects technological and financial compensation.
“Both technology and financing are important for us today,” he noted.
The president also expressed concern that the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East could distract the US from the war in Ukraine and affect the supply of missiles for air defense systems.
EU extends sanctions against individuals associated with Russia’s war against Ukraine
The European Union has extended sanctions against individuals and companies supporting Russia’s aggression against Ukraine for another six months. The decision was made after difficult negotiations between member states, as Hungary and Slovakia blocked the extension of the restrictions for some time. The EU Council reported, that sanctions against those who “undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine” will remain in place until at least September 15. The restrictions include a travel ban, asset freezes and a ban on providing economic resources to sanctioned individuals.
In total, the sanctions apply to around 2,600 individuals and entities. During the review, the EU removed two people from the sanctions list and removed five people who died. Among those removed from the sanctions is Dutch businessman Niels Trost, who was previously included in the list due to trading in Russian oil. According to diplomats, Budapest and Bratislava insisted on removing several Russian oligarchs from the sanctions list, which complicated negotiations on extending the restrictions.
Trump declared the success of the US military operation against Iran
US President Donald Trump stated, that the military operation against Iran is developing successfully for the American side. Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, he said the fighting would last as long as it took.
“I have my own idea, but what’s the point of talking about it? It’s going to last as long as it takes… They’ve been effectively crushed. The country is in very bad shape, everything is collapsing… We’re way ahead of schedule,” Trump said.
He said the US strikes had inflicted significant damage on Iran’s military capabilities. The president also said US forces had destroyed much of Iran’s military infrastructure.
“Their navy is destroyed. Their air force is destroyed. Most of their military is destroyed… They don’t have radar. They don’t have anti-aircraft weapons, for the most part,” Trump said.
He added that the purpose of the operation is to eliminate the nuclear threat in the Middle East. The president also said that the United States may soon begin escorting oil tankers in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said that Iran is ready for negotiations, but there will be no deal yet
US President Donald Trump stated, that Iran has demonstrated its readiness to negotiate to end the war, but Washington is not ready to conclude an agreement on the current terms.
During a telephone interview with NBC News, he noted: “Iran wants to conclude a deal, but I don’t want to conclude it because the terms are not good enough yet.”
The president refused to specify what exact requirements the American side is putting forward. At the same time, he emphasized that any future agreement must be “very reliable.”
Trump said that the United States is working with a number of states to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for transporting oil. He said several countries had already agreed to join joint naval operations in the region.
The president also said the US had struck the strategic Iranian island of Kharg, which is an important oil export hub. Trump also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying it was “much harder to make a deal” with him than with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Photo: RBC-UKRAINE
Author: Danylo Pievchev