On August 12, the Russian military recorded its most notable advance in Ukrainian territories within a 24-hour timeframe since early May, according to an analysis from the American Institute for War Studies. Russian forces took control of over 110 additional square kilometers compared to the previous day.
As the summit draws near in Alaska, Russian troops have seized control of the towns of Zatyshchuk and Zapovidni in the Donetsk region of Eastern Ukraine.
In response to this rapid military advancement, Ukraine has ordered the evacuation of families from nearby towns in the eastern sector. Donetsk Governor Vadim Vilashkin announced that evacuation is mandatory for families with children in approximately ten towns, including Belozersk.
He noted that around 1,150 children still remain in the affected areas. Russia dismissed the upcoming diplomatic discussions between European nations and Ukrainian leaders with President Trump as lacking significance.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Vadiev stated that these consultations pursued by European countries hold little practical and political importance, accusing the European Union of undermining American and Russian efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.
The Russian Foreign Ministry indicated that the upcoming Trump-Putin summit will provide an opportunity for both leaders to address all outstanding issues between their countries, including the Ukrainian crisis.
According to Alexei Vadiev, Deputy Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Information and Press Department, the U.S.-Russia summit will allow for a focus on all pressing topics, from the Ukrainian crisis to challenges obstructing the establishment of a normal and effective bilateral dialogue, which is vital to ensuring international peace and stability. Vadiev emphasized that Russia’s stance on peace in Ukraine remains unchanged.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged his allies to combat any deceit from Russia while reinforcing pressure for an end to the conflict.
Meeting
Following a meeting between Zelensky and European leaders in Berlin, as well as a virtual discussion with President Trump, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the conversation with Trump as highly productive.
Von der Leyen stated on social media, “Today, Europe and the United States, alongside NATO, have strengthened common grounds regarding Ukraine. We will continue to coordinate closely… No one desires peace more than we do—a fair and lasting peace.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz remarked that discussions with Trump were constructive, highlighting the potential for significant decisions to be made during the Alaska meeting while stressing that the core security interests of both Europe and Ukraine must be protected.
Zelensky stated that achieving an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine should be the primary focus of the Trump-Putin meeting, calling for new sanctions against Russia should it refuse to comply. Trump warned during the meeting of severe consequences if Putin does not agree to halt the conflict.
Trump also expressed his intention to arrange for a direct meeting involving himself, Putin, and Zelensky right after the Alaska summit.