Ukraine War: Zelensky Warns Against US-Russia Summit Amid Drone Strikes
In a stern message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cautioned against holding peace talks without Kyiv’s involvement, ahead of a highly anticipated meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.
Zelensky reiterated his unwavering stance that Ukraine would not cede any land to Russia, following Trump’s comments suggesting a potential “swapping of territories” to achieve a peace deal.
The Ukrainian leader’s remarks come as Moscow and Kyiv reported fresh drone strikes on Saturday, with Russia currently controlling approximately 20% of Ukraine’s territory.
Global Reaction to US-Russia Summit
World leaders have been sharing their reactions to the impending Trump-Putin meeting, with many expressing concerns about the potential implications for Ukraine.
The meeting has sparked widespread debate about the role of Kyiv in peace talks and the likelihood of a sustainable settlement to the Ukraine crisis.
US Vice President JD Vance and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy are set to host a meeting of national security advisers to discuss the war in Ukraine, amidst growing tensions between Russia and the West.
Background to US-Russia Relations
This will be the third meeting between Trump and Putin, following previous summits in Helsinki and Japan.
The two leaders have a history of controversy, with Trump previously sparking outrage by siding with Russia over US intelligence agencies on the issue of election interference.
Attack on Kharkiv and Dnipro
Russia launched a massive attack on north-eastern Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, resulting in casualties and civilian injuries, according to Ukraine’s state emergency service.
The city of Dnipro in eastern Ukraine was also hit, injuring several people.
The attacks come as Russia’s military continues to claim territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, despite a relatively slow advance.
Alaska: A Strategic Location for Talks
Alaska has been chosen as the venue for the Trump-Putin meeting due to its strategic importance, with the state’s governor Mike Dunleavy highlighting its vital role in national defence, energy security, and Arctic leadership.
Russia’s Putin aide Yuri Ushakov has also cited the proximity of Alaska to Russia, with the two countries sharing a border.
Focus on Sustainable Settlement
According to the Kremlin, the Trump-Putin meeting will focus on discussing ways to reach a sustainable settlement to the Ukraine crisis.
However, Putin aide Yuri Ushakov has also hinted at the potential for “large-scale mutually beneficial projects” to arise from the meeting, highlighting the converging economic interests of the US and Russia in Alaska and the Arctic.