Thus far in August, the intensity of Russian strikes on Ukraine appear to have eased. The first 11 days of this month have seen Moscow launch a daily average of 74 drones and one missile into Ukraine, compared with record-breaking July figures of 201 drones and around six missiles per day.

On Friday, President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Alaska where they are expected to discuss the war in Ukraine. NBC News' Jonathan Allen and Keir Simmons report more details.

Here is what we know about the meeting between the two leaders, taking place in Alaska - a former Russian territory which only became a US state in 1959. Why are Putin and Trump m