Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset to visit Kyiv in coming days

"In the coming days, I will meet President Zelenskyy in Kyiv ahead of Ukraine’s Independence Day to advance and strengthen our cooperation under the Action Plan, which is guiding Ukraine’s recovery in democracy, human rights, and the rule of law," Berset said.

He also commented on the upcoming talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which will take place in Alaska on August 15.

"When the eyes of the world turn to the peace talks in Alaska on Friday, we will face a single question: will peace in Ukraine be built on justice or shaped by concessions to aggression?" the Council of Europe Secretary General stressed.

He noted that "President Trump’s efforts to stop the killings while not conceding to aggression are commendable."

"The position of the Council of Europe is clear: peace must be sustainable and just — and it must be made with Ukraine. As President Zelenskyy has said, any agreement without Kyiv will amount to 'dead decisions,'" Berset added.

Trump-Putin meeting

In recent days, US President Donald Trump announced that he will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15.

The Kremlin has confirmed this information. In particular, Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov said that the US and Russia are "close neighbors," which is why it was decided to hold the meeting of the two leaders in Alaska.

According to NBC, the White House is considering inviting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Trump also mentioned the possibility of a "territory swap" between Ukraine and Russia, including the return of some lands.

In response, Zelenskyy reminded that the territorial issue is enshrined in the Constitution and that Ukraine will not give its land to the occupiers. The Ukrainian president also stressed that Russia is promoting the idea of such a "swap" without any guarantees.

Read more on what Ukraine can expect from the Trump-Putin meeting in the RBC-Ukraine material.