Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed sharp criticism on Tuesday over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming meeting with former US President Donald Trump on American soil. Calling it a “personal victory” for Putin, Zelenskyy warned the summit risks delaying sanctions against Moscow that were promised if the war in Ukraine continued.
Speaking to reporters, Zelenskyy said:
“First, he will meet on US territory, which I consider his personal victory. Second, he is coming out of isolation because he is meeting on US territory. Third, with this meeting, he has somehow postponed sanctions.”
The summit, scheduled for Friday in Alaska, will mark the first meeting between a sitting Russian president and a former US president since 2021, with Trump acting as an intermediary to negotiate a possible end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
No Troop Withdrawals From Donbas, Zelenskyy Insists
Reacting to Trump’s recent suggestion that he and Putin might negotiate a land swap as part of a peace deal, Zelenskyy was firm: Ukraine will not withdraw troops from the eastern Donbas region.
“If we withdraw from the Donbas today, our fortifications, terrain, and heights we control, we will clearly open a bridgehead for the Russians to prepare an offensive,” Zelenskyy said, highlighting Donbas as a crucial battleground since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
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Concerns Over Concessions and Hardline Russian Demands
Zelenskyy, who is not attending the summit, voiced fears that Russia would push hardline demands and that Trump might broker a deal requiring Ukraine to cede territory. He revealed he had received a signal from US envoy Steve Witkoff suggesting Russia might agree to a ceasefire, though details remain unclear.
On the ground, Ukrainian forces are battling fierce offensives. Zelenskyy reported Russian troops had made significant advances near Dobropillia, pushing roughly 10 kilometers deep in several areas, putting pressure on cities like Kostiantynivka.
“Russian units have advanced 10 kilometers deep in several spots. They all have no equipment, only weapons in their hands… We will find the rest and destroy them in the near future,” Zelenskyy said.
Despite these gains, Ukraine denies Russia has a secure foothold near Dobropillia, calling the situation “difficult and dynamic.”
Casualties Mount Amid Ongoing Conflict
Recent Russian attacks have killed at least three people and wounded 12, including a child, according to Ukrainian police, underscoring the human toll as fighting rages on.
While Trump hails the Alaska meeting as a chance to assess Putin’s ideas for ending the war, European leaders remain cautious, emphasizing the need to respect Kyiv’s sovereignty and interests.
Russia continues its costly campaign in Ukraine, claiming annexation of four regions while still battling to hold them.
