*As Zelensky monitoring Trump-Putin talks
U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated that he will not make any agreements with Russian President Vladimir Putin without involving Ukraine.
While he plans to discuss territorial issues during the summit in Alaska on Friday, Trump stressed that no decisions will be made.
“I’ve got to let Ukraine make that decision, and I think they’ll make a proper decision, but I’m not here to negotiate for Ukraine,” he told reporters aboard Air Force One, describing his role as bringing Putin “to the table.”
Trump also highlighted his cooperation with European powers on the Ukraine issue.
He described Putin as “a smart guy,” and added that he considers himself the same.
“There’s a good respect level on both sides,” Trump said, noting that Putin would be accompanied by numerous Russian business leaders and appeared keen on collaboration with the U.S.
However, he warned that if Putin does not pursue peace in Ukraine, Moscow could face “economically severe” sanctions.
ZELENSKY
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is not attending the U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska, said he expects intelligence briefings on discussions of the Trump-Putin meeting.
“I expect a report today from our intelligence services on the current intentions of the Russian side on the Alaska meeting,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram.
He wrote that the main goal is for the talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump to pave the way for a three-way meeting that would include himself.
“It is time to end the war, and Russia must take the corresponding steps. We are counting on America,” Zelensky said.
Putin and Trump are to meet in person for the first time since the start of the February 2022 invasion at a military base in Anchorage with discussions expected to focus on potential paths to a ceasefire.
