Moscow: In the days leading up to the highly anticipated summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, the conflict in eastern Ukraine has escalated with significant Russian advances. Russian forces have advanced up to 17 kilometers near Dobropillia, marking a sudden and strategic expansion of their control. This move is widely viewed as an attempt by Russia to strengthen its bargaining position ahead of the summit.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has strongly opposed any proposals involving territorial concessions. He insists that any peace negotiations must include Ukraine directly and be preceded by a ceasefire. Zelenskiy emphasized that about 30% of the Donetsk region remains under Ukrainian control, underscoring the importance of maintaining sovereignty over these areas.
Despite a Gallup poll revealing that 69% of Ukrainians favor negotiating an end to the war, many Ukrainian soldiers express skepticism about a quick ceasefire and firmly reject any territorial compromises. Troops stationed in the Kharkiv region consider continued resistance essential to inflict significant costs on Russia and prevent further aggression.
The Trump-Putin summit, scheduled to take place at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, marks the first direct meeting between the two leaders since 2021. While the White House describes the summit as a “listening exercise” to gauge Putin’s intentions and explore peace possibilities, European leaders have voiced concern that Ukraine’s exclusion from the talks could result in unfavorable outcomes for Kyiv.
President Trump has indicated that both Russia and Ukraine might need to cede territory to reach a peace agreement, a suggestion that has alarmed Ukraine and its European allies. Ukrainian officials fear that such concessions could undermine the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In response, European Union leaders have reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s right to self-determination and opposed any forced territorial losses. A virtual meeting between President Trump and EU leaders is planned to discuss these concerns and ensure Ukraine’s interests are safeguarded in any future peace deal.
As the conflict continues with rising tensions and territorial disputes, the international community watches closely. The upcoming summit carries significant weight for the region’s future, with hopes for a resolution that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and leads to lasting peace.