Putin Maintains Ukraine Peace Conditions Amid Stalled Talks, Lukashenko Criticizes Trump

Russian President Vladimir Putin has affirmed Russia's interest in a lasting and stable peace in Ukraine but maintains that Moscow's conditions for peace remain unchanged, including Ukraine's withdrawal from the occupied regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, along with Ukraine's permanent neutrality and a ban on NATO membership. Despite ongoing negotiations, including proposed new working groups for behind-closed-doors talks, no major breakthroughs have been achieved, with Russia accusing Ukraine and its allies of inflated expectations and stalling peace efforts. U.S. President Donald Trump has set a self-imposed August 8 deadline for a peace deal, threatening severe tariffs on Russia and its economic partners if the Kremlin does not halt its invasion; however, Russia remains unyielding, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko publicly dismissed Trump's peace plan, criticizing his understanding of the conflict and suggesting Trump should listen more than lecture. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to call for direct talks with Putin and urges Western allies to increase military aid and sanctions on Russia. Russia has intensified military actions, including deadly missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, even as prisoner exchanges occur amid stalled negotiations. The outlook for peace remains uncertain as both sides hold firm to their demands while diplomatic efforts lag.