As Russian forces push deeper into eastern Ukraine, a growing unease is spreading across Kyiv and Europe that the upcoming Trump-Putin summit could pressure Ukraine into making significant territorial concessions.
On Tuesday, small groups of Russian soldiers advanced near Dobropillia in Donetsk, marking one of the year’s most notable incursions. Ukraine’s military deployed reserve forces, describing the fighting as “difficult” but maintaining that defensive lines are holding. Former Kremlin adviser Sergei Markov called the advance “a gift to Putin and Trump” ahead of their meeting in Anchorage, Alaska—the first U.S.-Russia summit since 2021.
Kyiv Fears Being Excluded
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders are concerned that any deal made without Ukraine’s involvement could undermine both international law and Kyiv’s sovereignty. “Substantive and productive talks about us without us will not work,” Zelenskyy told NewsNation, emphasizing that a ceasefire is a prerequisite for any territorial negotiations.
A White House spokesperson confirmed that Putin had proposed the bilateral meeting, and Trump agreed to “better understand” the path to ending the war. Trump is reportedly open to a future trilateral meeting that would include Zelenskyy.
European Leaders Push Back
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned against pressuring Ukraine into concessions, calling such actions “capitulation.” The EU issued a unified statement supporting Ukraine, with the exception of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who claimed that Russia had already won the war. European governments are pledging increased support, arguing that Ukraine’s ability to defend itself is crucial for the continent’s long-term security.
The War Continues
Despite a troop shortage, Ukraine claims to have recaptured two villages in Sumy, a region where Russia has been attempting to establish a “buffer zone.” This ongoing fighting highlights that the war is far from over, even as diplomatic efforts intensify.
Trump and Putin are scheduled to meet in Alaska on Friday in what Washington is calling a “listening exercise.” Meanwhile, Ukraine and EU leaders plan to hold a virtual meeting with Trump beforehand, hoping to present a united front before any major decisions are made.
