The White House is accusing European leaders of prolonging the conflict in Ukraine by making "impossible demands" and sabotaging peace processes, according to reports citing frustrated Trump administration aides. These claims emerge two weeks after a summit between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with little clear progress toward ending the war. Axios reports that the Trump White House believes Europe is secretly undermining efforts to end the Ukraine war. While European and Ukrainian officials interviewed by Christopher Miller and Mike Allen for Axios have not indicated they are holding out for better deals or unrealistic concessions, they are reportedly pushing for an end to the war sooner rather than later and have agreed with Trump's ideas, including an immediate ceasefire. Miller and Allen also noted that Ukrainian troops and civilians are suffering daily casualties and destruction. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas stated that the EU will not return frozen assets to Russia unless Moscow pays reparations to Ukraine, a stance discussed by EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen. The US State Department has also approved military and communications equipment sales to Ukraine totaling over $300 million, confirmed by Ukraine's Defense Minister Shmyhal. President Trump is reportedly considering stepping back from diplomatic efforts regarding Ukraine until both parties show more flexibility, according to Axios. Additionally, The Telegraph reports that Trump is in talks with European allies about sending US private military contractors to Ukraine as part of a long-term peace plan. These contractors would focus on building fortifications, securing business interests, and acting as a deterrent. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed Decree number 702 a year ago, which allows for residence permits in the Russian Federation for those dissatisfied with their homeland's political situation. Separately, reports indicate a significant increase in overdue mortgage loans in Russia, with a 114% year-over-year growth, though banks are accused of hiding the true situation. Rosneft's net profit for the first half of 2025 was RUB 245 billion, a 68% decrease year-over-year, with profit decline accelerating in the second quarter. Explosions have also been reported at a Russian ammunition storehouse. In other news, Hungarian opposition has launched a fundraising campaign for the "Birds of the Magyar" brigade in Ukraine, and the Trump White House is reportedly considering not visiting India for the Quad summit, with New York Times reporting on Trump's side of a call with Indian Prime Minister Modi.
