Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday said he had warned US President Donald Trump ahead of his upcoming meeting with Vladimir Putin that the Russian leader is “bluffing” about ending the war.
The Alaska summit between Trump and Putin, set for Friday, has raised concerns in Kyiv and among Western allies that the leaders could attempt to dictate peace terms in the 3½-year conflict. “I told the US president and all our European colleagues that Putin is bluffing,” Zelensky said at a joint briefing in Berlin with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. “He is trying to apply pressure along the entire Ukrainian front before the Alaska meeting. Russia wants to show it can occupy all of Ukraine.”
Zelensky’s comments followed a virtual call with Trump and European leaders, as Russian forces intensify attacks in eastern Ukraine to push Kyiv into concessions. The Ukrainian president emphasized that the talks in Alaska should focus on an immediate ceasefire, while any discussion of territorial issues should be handled in a three-leader meeting.
“Decisions about Ukraine’s principles and territorial integrity must be made at the highest leadership level,” Zelensky said. “No decision can be taken without Ukraine, and this is widely supported.” He added that Trump assured him he would provide updates on his discussions with Putin.
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