Russian President Vladimir Putin shows no signs of backing down in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Wednesday, as the world braces for a potentially pivotal U.S.-Russia summit in Anchorage, Alaska, this Friday.
Speaking on social media, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for international vigilance. “We must learn from the experience of Ukraine, our partners, to prevent deception by Russia,” he wrote. “There is no sign now that the Russians are preparing to end the war. Our coordinated efforts and joint steps — of Ukraine, the United States, Europe, all countries that want peace — can definitely force Russia to make peace.”
The Alaska summit, where President Donald Trump will meet Putin one-on-one, is being billed by the White House as a “listening exercise.” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Tuesday that Trump’s goal is to gain a clearer understanding of how the war might end and the potential trajectory of Russia’s military actions.
“I think this is a listening exercise for the president,” Leavitt said. “Only one party that’s involved in this war is going to be present. And so this is for the president to go and to get, again, a more firm and better understanding of how we can hopefully bring this war to an end.”
While Zelenskyy himself will not attend, his government is actively coordinating with international partners. On Tuesday, Zelenskyy posted to Telegram that Ukraine is “preparing certain steps to further mobilize our partners” ahead of the summit. According to him, Ukrainian officials have engaged in more than 30 discussions and consultations with global allies about a potential peace settlement.
“Different parts of the world, different visions, but common positions,” Zelenskyy said. “We must end this war. We must put pressure on Russia for an honest peace.”
In addition to these virtual efforts, Zelenskyy traveled to Berlin, Germany, on Wednesday to meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other European leaders. European governments have pledged support for Ukraine in any potential peace negotiations and have urged the Trump administration to ensure that both European and Ukrainian voices are included in discussions.
Summit Logistics and Diplomatic Prep
The summit itself is set for Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. White House officials confirmed that Trump and Putin will meet one-on-one, though the full agenda remains under negotiation. Meanwhile, preparatory talks have been underway between Secretary of State Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who spoke by phone Tuesday. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce described the conversation as constructive, noting that both sides “confirmed their commitment to a successful event.”
Following his European meetings, Zelenskyy is scheduled for a virtual call with Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The goal: coordinate strategies and maintain international pressure on Russia while making sure Ukraine’s interests are front and center.
Ongoing Violence: A Grim Reality
Despite diplomatic efforts, the battlefield in Ukraine remains active. Overnight into Wednesday, Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 49 drones and two North Korean-made ballistic missiles into Ukrainian territory. Ukraine successfully intercepted 32 of the drones along with both missiles.
Meanwhile, Russian authorities claimed they shot down 63 Ukrainian drones overnight, illustrating that the conflict remains a constant, high-stakes duel of technology, strategy, and firepower.
One particularly notable incident targeted the Unecha oil pump station in Russia’s western Bryansk region. Ukraine’s General Staff reported a significant impact and a large-scale fire in the facility area, highlighting the far-reaching nature of the conflict and the increasing sophistication of strikes on both sides.
Why This Summit Matters
Experts say the Trump-Putin summit could serve as a critical moment in international diplomacy, even if it doesn’t yield immediate results. While some see it as a symbolic gesture, the White House insists that Trump’s presence could help clarify Putin’s intentions and possibly influence the pace or terms of peace negotiations.
For Zelenskyy, the timing is urgent. With the winter months approaching, Ukrainian leadership is pushing allies to keep a united front and pressure Russia to negotiate. The president’s strategy appears to rely heavily on a combination of public diplomacy, behind-the-scenes coordination, and leveraging global alliances to present a unified stance that could make concessions from Moscow more likely.
European Support and Multilateral Pressure
Zelenskyy’s visit to Berlin underscores the importance of Europe in these discussions. European leaders are not only vocal in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty but are also prepared to assist in mediating any potential peace talks. This includes reinforcing economic sanctions, sharing intelligence, and providing humanitarian and military aid.
The Ukrainian president is also counting on a coordinated messaging effort to ensure that public perception aligns with diplomatic objectives. In his view, only by showing solidarity among global powers can Russia be nudged toward genuine negotiations.
Key Takeaways and Points to Watch
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Trump’s One-on-One Meeting: The Alaska summit will feature a private session between Trump and Putin. This could give the U.S. insight into Moscow’s strategy and intentions.
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Zelenskyy’s Strategic Moves: Ukraine is strengthening partnerships and maintaining pressure through virtual briefings, European visits, and public diplomacy.
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Ongoing Conflict: Despite diplomatic talks, Ukraine continues to face attacks from Russian drones and missiles. Russia claims its forces are actively countering Ukrainian aerial strikes.
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European Backing: Germany and other European nations are advocating for Ukraine’s interests and may play a key role in peace negotiations.
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High Stakes: Both sides recognize the global attention on this summit. The outcome may not be immediate, but it could set the tone for future negotiations or escalations.
In short, as world leaders prepare to converge in Alaska, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Zelenskyy’s insistence on unified international pressure, ongoing military engagements, and Trump’s planned “listening exercise” with Putin create a complex tableau where diplomacy, strategy, and the realities of war intersect. The coming days could be pivotal in determining whether this conflict edges closer to resolution or remains a prolonged, high-stakes confrontation.
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