Zelensky confirms asking Russian oligarch Abramovich to test Putin's appetite for talks

Speaking to reporters in Kyiv, Zelensky confirmed that he had used Roman Abramovich to pass on a message gauging Putin's appetite for direct talks. The Ukrainian leader said the move was meant to open a high-level negotiating channel distinct from the technical contacts that have been continuing for several weeks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the proposal was being "considered on its substantive merits", without pointing to any specific next step.

Abramovich also acted as a go-between in the first round of talks in spring 2022 and during the grain-corridor discussions in March 2025. US Vice-President JD Vance, briefing reporters in Kyiv, said it was "critical to keep diplomatic channels open". The European Commission said the negotiating effort would not interfere with Ukraine's EU accession track.

On the eastern front, Russian overnight strikes killed four civilians in the Kharkiv region, local authorities reported. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance's weapons-delivery programme for Ukraine remained on its timeline and there were no delays. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said a new sanctions package was being prepared for September.