Zelensky: Putin will try to trick Trump in Alaska talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Vladimir Putin will try to mislead Donald Trump during the upcoming meeting between the leaders of Russia and the United States, which will take place this Friday in Alaska.

"We understand Russia's intentions to try to deceive America - we will not let that happen. I appreciate President Trump's determination to end the loss of life in war. Every day many give their lives," Zelensky noted.

According to him, the only reason for the ongoing killings is Putin's desire to fight and manipulate everyone he comes into contact with.

"We in Ukraine know Russia well, and that is why Ukrainians have been enduring a full-scale war for more than three years," he added.

The Alaska summit comes amid Trump's attempts to pressure Putin to stop a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Following Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff's visit to Moscow last week, reports emerged of possible discussions about a territorial swap: Russia could keep the regions it has seized, as well as some territories not yet under its full control.

Zelensky categorically rejected such an idea and called for tough U.S. sanctions against Russia. Ukraine's European allies are also insisting that Kiev's position be taken into account in the talks.

Meanwhile, Russian troops continue attacks along the front line and shelling of civilian infrastructure. On Saturday in Zaporozhye, more than 20 people were injured after the Russian army dropped several planning bombs on the local bus station building.

"No deadlines, no expectations from them - they don't want to stop killing. The only thing they are interested in is a way to destroy Ukraine," Zelensky said.

He emphasised that sanctions and pressure are needed to achieve peace:

"You need strength - the strength of the United States, first of all, the strength of Europe, the strength of all states that want peace and stability in international relations. If Russia does not want to stop the war, then we need to stop its economy".

Recall, US Vice President J.D. Vance in an interview with Fox News announced Washington's new diplomatic strategy aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

According to him, the United States aims to achieve a peaceful settlement taking into account the current line of contact between Russian and Ukrainian troops.

If we focus on the current front line, we will try to find a negotiation format that will allow Ukrainians and Russians to coexist," Vance said, adding that the final solution will most likely not suit either side.

Vance said that the USA was working on organising a meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia to discuss the cessation of hostilities. At the same time, he emphasised that President Donald Trump should play a key role in this process.

President Trump must persuade Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelenskyy to sit down at the negotiating table and resolve their differences," the vice-president explained, noting that a meeting of the Ukrainian and Russian leaders without preliminary talks with the US president would not bring results.

Regarding territorial issues, US Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker clarified that "no significant territories that have not been fought over or conquered on the battlefield will simply be handed over."

Vance emphasised that despite condemning the Russian invasion, the top priority of the US remains to achieve peace. "We do not approve of the current situation, but it is necessary to achieve peace. And this can only be done through negotiations and dialogue," he said.

Although Trump doubts the success of future negotiations, according to Vance, they should be given a chance. The USA intends to maintain close co-operation with Ukraine and President Zelensky in the process of preparing diplomatic initiatives.