«Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine»: families of prisoners address Trump at the US Embassy

A rally was held in front of the United States Embassy in Kyiv with the participation of families of Ukrainian prisoners of war and missing defenders. The participants gathered to remind the world of the price Ukraine pays for preserving its territory and independence, and to call on US President Donald Trump to raise the issue of prisoner exchange during his talks with Russia.

According to Ukrinform, about a hundred people have gathered in the park opposite the entrance to the diplomatic mission. They demand the exchange «of all for all, without exception» — both confirmed and unconfirmed by the Red Cross prisoners, illegally convicted and declared «terrorists» in Russia.

The protesters hold portraits of their relatives, flags of Ukraine, banners with the names of military units and posters with inscriptions in English: «Nothing About Ukraine without Ukraine» and «All-for-all prisoner swap without exceptions».

One of the organisers stressed that the US has taken on the role of peacemaker, and it is time to prove it with actions.

«The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be resolved without Ukraine and at its expense», she stressed.

According to media reports, drivers passing by support the participants by honking their car horns. Police and dialogue police officers are ensuring order during the rally.

More about the meeting between Trump and Putin

On 15 August, US President Donald Trump will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the US state of Alaska.

The White House is also considering inviting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Alaska. Zelenskyy himself has said that a trilateral meeting between the leaders of the United States, Ukraine, and Russia is planned. The exact date has not yet been determined, but, according to CBS News, citing its own sources, it could take place as early as the end of next week.

Earlier, Donald Trump assured European leaders that during his meeting with Vladimir Putin on 15 August, he would not discuss the issue of Ukrainian territories and would insist on an unconditional ceasefire.

At the same time, The Telegraph reports that during the talks in Alaska, Trump may put forward proposals that include economic concessions to Russia. According to the newspaper, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is analysing possible compromises that could speed up the ceasefire agreement. Among them is granting Russia access to rare earth minerals in the occupied territories of Ukraine, where the two largest lithium deposits are located.

Another possible proposal could be Russia's access to natural resources in the Bering Strait, which separates it from the US state of Alaska.