Ukrainian media priorities on August 21 centered on Russia's massive missile and drone attacks, particularly strikes on Mukachevo and Lviv, causing casualties. A significant story was the attack on an American-owned coffee machine factory in Mukachevo, widely interpreted as a "signal to Trump." Diplomatic discussions featured prominently, with President Zelensky clarifying Ukraine's "red lines" on occupied territories. Throughout the day, former President Trump's statements became a central focus. Reports detailed his preference for direct Zelensky-Putin talks without his initial involvement, and his assertion that President Biden had prevented Ukraine from striking targets inside Russia. Later, Putin's demands for Ukraine to abandon Donbas, NATO, and Western troops were reported, while Zelensky indicated Ukrainian military experts were developing a security guarantee's military component. The day concluded with Trump suggesting peace could become clear within "two weeks" and hinting at "different tactics."