As tensions continue to mount over the war in Ukraine, President Donald Trump is gearing up for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin this Friday in Anchorage, Alaska.
White House officials have framed the meeting as a “listening exercise,” emphasizing that Trump aims to better understand the situation and explore possible paths toward ending the conflict.
White House Describes Summit as Listening Opportunity
US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stressed that the meeting is intended primarily for Trump to gather information.
“Only one party that’s involved in this war is going to be present,” she said.
“This is for the President to get a more firm understanding of how we can hopefully bring this war to an end.”
She also highlighted the limits of a one-on-one meeting, noting that both sides need to agree for any peace deal to materialize.
Possibility of a Moscow Visit
Leavitt hinted that Trump could potentially visit Putin in Moscow, adding, “perhaps there are plans.”
Her remarks come after a controversial press conference earlier this week in which Trump praised Putin and appeared to place some blame for the conflict on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky Issues Warning on Russian Preparations
Meanwhile, Zelensky, who will not be attending the summit, issued a stark warning about Russia’s intentions.
Citing Ukrainian intelligence reports, he claimed that Moscow is redeploying troops in ways that suggest preparations for a new offensive.
Ukrainian forces have already had to redirect special units to counter Russian saboteurs reportedly operating six miles behind Ukrainian lines near Dobropillya in Donetsk.
Strategic Stakes in Eastern Ukraine
If Russian forces manage to establish control over these positions, they could cut off the vital city of Kramatorsk, giving Putin near-complete control over the Donbas region.
The newly seized territory is also dangerously close to Slovyansk, Druzhkivka, and Kostyantynivka, areas that have served as key defensive points for Ukraine since 2014.
European Leaders Urge Inclusion of Kyiv
In response to the upcoming summit, every EU leader except Hungary’s Viktor Orban signed a statement urging Trump not to exclude Kyiv from discussions about Ukraine’s future.
Ahead of Friday’s meeting, the White House confirmed that Trump will hold a virtual briefing with Zelensky and European allies today, aiming to keep them engaged despite their absence from the Alaska talks.
