As Russian forces push deeper into eastern Ukraine, fears are growing in Kyiv and across Europe that the upcoming Trump-Putin summit could pressure Ukraine into making painful territorial concessions.

On Tuesday, small bands of Russian soldiers advanced near Dobropillia in Donetsk, marking one of the most significant incursions of the year. Ukraine’s military deployed reserve forces, calling the fighting “difficult” but insisting that defensive lines remain intact.

Former Kremlin adviser Sergei Markov called the advance “a gift to Putin and Trump” ahead of their meeting in Anchorage, Alaska — the first U.S.-Russia summit since 2021.

Kyiv fears being sidelined

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and European leaders say any deal struck without Ukraine at the table risks undermining international law and Kyiv’s sovereignty.
“Substantive and productive talks about us without us will not work,” Zelenskiy told NewsNation, stressing that a ceasefire must come before territorial negotiations.

A White House spokesperson said Putin had proposed the bilateral meeting and Trump agreed to “better understand” the path to ending the war. Trump is open to a future trilateral meeting with Zelenskiy.

European leaders push back

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned against pressuring Ukraine into concessions, calling such moves “capitulation.” The EU issued a united statement backing Ukraine — except for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who claimed Russia had already won the war.

European governments are pledging more support, arguing that Ukraine’s ability to defend itself is vital for the continent’s long-term security.

War still grinding on

Despite a shortage of troops, Ukraine says it recaptured two villages in Sumy, where Russia has been pushing for a “buffer zone.” The fighting underscores that the war remains far from over, even as diplomatic maneuvering intensifies.

Trump and Putin will meet in Alaska on Friday, with Washington calling the session a “listening exercise.” Meanwhile, Ukraine and EU leaders plan to hold a virtual meeting with Trump beforehand, hoping to secure a united front before any major decisions are made.