Russia has continued its missile attacks on Ukraine in the lead-up to the meeting at the White House, highlighting the impasse between Donald Trump and European leaders over the idea of demanding a ceasefire before any peace agreement can be negotiated.
Trump dropped the idea of a ceasefire after his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continue to regard it as the best approach.
Firefighters put out a blaze after a Russian drone hit the market in the Donetsk town of Druzhkivka on August 2.Credit: Ukraine’s 24th Mechanised Brigade press service/AP
Ukraine says the Russian strikes on Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia have killed civilians, including children.
It says the Kharkiv attack killed seven people, including an 18-month-old girl. In Zaporizhzhia, the missile strikes killed three people and injured another 20 people.
During the press conference, one reporter asked whether Trump had a message for the Ukrainian people, who he said were suffering under Russian attacks and held out hope the Americans would stand with them.
“Well, I know Ukrainian people. I’ve known many over the years. They’re great people, they’re smart, they’re energetic, they love their country,” Trump replied. “I mean, they love their country, and we want to get this war ended. That’s all I can do.
“I love the Ukrainian people, but I love all people. I love the Russian people. I love them all. I want to get the war stopped.”