Overview
- President Trump and President Putin are set to meet in Alaska on Aug. 15 to discuss ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in what the White House calls an “exercise of listening.”
- Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz convened virtual sessions on Wednesday so key European leaders and President Zelenskyy could present unified positions to President Trump ahead of the summit.
- European capitals warn that any peace agreement struck without Ukraine’s direct participation would lack legitimacy and risk unfavorable territorial concessions.
- Russian forces advanced near the city of Dobropillia in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday, prompting Kyiv to deploy reserve units amid difficult fighting in Donetsk region.
- The Russian Defense Ministry accused Ukraine of plotting a false-flag attack in Kharkiv to disrupt the U.S.-Russia summit, adding a new layer of tension to preparatory diplomacy.