Ukraine: The Latest ‘One of the most vital days since the Soviet Union collapsed’: Russia kills civilians as Trump rules out Ukraine reclaiming Crimea or joining NATO ahead of Zelensky White House talks
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Aug 18, 2025 Dominic Nicholls, Associate Editor of Defence at The Telegraph, delves into the fallout from the recent Trump-Putin summit. He discusses the precarious implications for Ukraine as talks loom between Zelensky and European leaders, especially concerning the controversial cession of the Donbass region. With Russian advances escalating, Nicholls highlights the strategic importance of Ukraine's 'fortress belt' and emphasizes the potential risks of any peace agreement lacking a ceasefire, drawing attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
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Summit Left Big Questions Unresolved
- The Trump-Putin summit produced broad principles but no formal agreement, shifting diplomatic pressure onto Ukraine and Europe.
- That ambiguity risks forcing Europe to choose between backing Kyiv or aligning with Washington's proposals.
Deal Contours Would Redraw Borders
- The reported contours of the proposal demand Ukraine withdraw from Donetsk and Luhansk and recognise Russian sovereignty over Crimea.
- Those terms would fundamentally reshape Ukraine's borders and international commitments like NATO membership.
MoD Says Full Occupation Would Be Costly
- The UK Ministry of Defence estimated Russia would need years and massive casualties to capture the four regions at current rates.
- That calculation underpins why many view forced concessions as strategically unnecessary for Russia.