Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement that he would meet with his United States counterpart in Alaska to discuss a settlement in Ukraine triggered a diplomatic flurry between Ukraine and its European allies – all of whom have been left out of the discussion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Putin is not earnest about peace as the Russian army continues to pound away at Ukraine.
“There is no indication whatsoever that the Russians have received signals to prepare for a post-war situation,” Zelenskyy said, citing recent intelligence, in his Monday evening address to the Ukrainian people. “On the contrary, they are redeploying their troops and forces in ways that suggest preparations for new offensive operations.”
European leaders have also warned US President Donald Trump against trading away Ukrainian land.
“Until Russia agrees to a full and unconditional ceasefire, we should not even discuss any concessions,” said Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief.
Putin and Trump will talk one-on-one first, with only translators present, before participating in meetings with delegates, a Russian official said on Thursday, adding that there will be a joint news conference later on in the day.
As Russia confirmed the Alaska meeting, its army pounded away at Ukraine, seizing the village of Yablunivka in the eastern Donetsk region on Saturday.
Some 535 Russian drones and missiles rained on Ukraine during the week of August 7-13. Ukraine intercepted just under two-thirds of them; and Moscow’s forces launched eight missiles against Ukraine, five of which got through its defences.
Credit: aljazeera.com
