Aug 23 (V7N) – Tensions remain high as uncertainty grows over a possible meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to end the three-and-a-half-year conflict in Ukraine.

Zelensky claims Russia is unwilling to halt the war and alleges that Putin is avoiding a face-to-face meeting. "Ukraine needs security guarantees so that future generations can be assured Russia will not attack us," Zelensky said, accusing Moscow of maintaining its previous stance.

Russia maintains that Putin is ready to meet Zelensky, but only after a clear agenda is agreed upon. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Zelensky has been unwilling to make concessions on issues previously discussed with the United States, including refraining from NATO membership and territorial exchanges.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump expressed frustration at the lack of progress and warned of major sanctions on Russia if the situation does not improve within two weeks. "Let's see what happens. Then we'll decide on major sanctions and tariffs," Trump said.

Top Kremlin officials outlined three conditions set by Putin for ending the conflict: full control of Donbass by Russia, Ukraine remaining outside NATO, and no deployment of Western troops in the country.

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