Russia is making movements indicating preparations for new offensive, Zelenskyy says
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned the Russian army was not preparing to end the war, but “making movements that indicate preparations for new ofensive operations,” as he thanked EU leaders for their support.
In a social media post, Zelenskyy said it was criticial that the unity of views “is not threatened,” as he urged partners to put more pressure on Russia.
“Issues related to the security of Ukraine and Europe are discussed by all of us together. Any decision must add to our joint security capabilities. And if Russia refuses to stop the killings, it must be held accountable,” he said.
Giving his backing to Donald Trump’s plans for a summit with Vladimir Putin, he said:
“Indeed, we all support President Trump’s determination, and together we must shape positions that will not allow Russia to deceive the world once again. “
He added:
“As long as they continue the war and occupation, all of us together must maintain our pressure – the pressure of strength, the pressure of sanctions, the pressure of diplomacy. I thank everyone who is helping. Peace through strength.”
Key events
Russia, Belarus to hold joint military exercises in September
Meanwhile, the Russian and Belarusian armies are set to hold joint strategic exercises in Belarus from 12-16 September, the Belarusian Defence Ministry said, reported by Reuters.
The aim of the drills is to test the capabilities of Russia and Belarus and “ensure the military security of the Union State and their readiness to repel possible aggression,” the ministry cited Maj Gen Valery Revenko as saying.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned earlier this year, without giving details or citing evidence, that Russia was “preparing something” in Belarus this summer under the guise of routine military exercises.
In an interview with Time Magazine last week, Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko said he had decided to move the location of the joint military drills away from Belarus’ western borders with European Union countries, citing security concerns raised in Poland and the Baltic nations.
Hungary’s Orbán refuses to back EU statement on Ukraine and Trump-Putin summit, saying bloc should not intervene from sidelines
To give you an idea of just how strongly Hungary feels about the EU’s statement, the country’s prime minister Viktor Orbán took to social media this morning to explain his views.
He said he felt it was necessary to speak before “the liberal-mainstream chorus” – that’s the EU leaders for him – “begins its newest rendition of their favourite ‘Putin’s puppet’ tune” accusing him of taking pro-Russian positions.
But in short: he said that since the EU was not involved, it shouldn’t intervene from the sidelines, and if it wants to talk to Putin, it should call its own EU-Russia summit.
Here is his explanation in full:
“Just four days ahead of the historic summit between President Trump and President Putin, the European Council sought to issue a statement in the name of all EU heads of state and government.
Before the liberal-mainstream chorus begins its newest rendition of their favourite “Putin’s puppet” tune, I decided to share why I could NOT support the statement on behalf of Hungary.
1. The statement attempts to set conditions for a meeting to which leaders of the EU were not invited.
2. The fact that the EU was left on the sidelines is sad enough as it is. The only thing that could make things worse is if we started providing instructions from the bench.
3. The only sensible action for EU leaders is to initiate an EU-Russia summit, based on the example of the US-Russia meeting.
Let’s give peace a chance!”
Morning opening: Ukraine must be able to ‘choose its destiny,’ EU says
Jakub Krupa
In an early morning statement issued after last night ministerial discussions, the EU insisted “the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine,” as it stressed “the inherent right of Ukraine to choose its own destiny.”
“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has wider implications for European and international security.
We share the conviction that a diplomatic solution must protect Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests.”
But despite the intentions, the statement didn’t demonstrate the EU’s unity on this point: Viktor Orbán’s Hungary, once again, refused to back the collective position.
And just hours after the EU meeting, Hungarian foreign minister Péter Szijjártó was on the phone to Moscow speaking to Russian deputy prime minister Denis Manturov.
But as we get closer to the summit – which Donald Trump described last night as a “feel-out meeting” – many European leaders are likely to be alarmed by the US president’s rhethoric and talk of “swapping” territories without Ukraine even present at the table.
They will be hoping that the last-ditch attempt to convince Trump of the merits of their position during a scheduled phone call on Wednesday will result in the US president changing his views going into the talks. Let’s see.
Elsewhere, we will be keeping an eye on another day of record-breaking heat in parts of Europe. Overnight, Spanish firefighters have finally contained a wildfire near Madrid, which killed one and prompted the evacuation of almost 200 people.
I will bring you all the key updates here.
It’s Tuesday, 12 August 2025, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
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