Russia has accused unnamed foreign powers of trying to disrupt a planned U.S.–Russia summit in Alaska this weekend, where Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are expected to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.
Kirill Dmitriev, Russia’s investment envoy, wrote on Telegram that “countries interested in continuing the conflict will make titanic efforts to disrupt” the talks, but did not name any nations.
The August 15 meeting, announced by Trump on Truth Social, has been described by the White House as a “fact-finding” session. Putin’s aides have welcomed Alaska as the location, citing its proximity to Russia and potential for Arctic economic cooperation.
It is unclear if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will take part. He has warned that any deal made without Kyiv’s involvement would be a “dead decision.” European leaders have expressed concern that Trump might agree to territorial concessions in exchange for peace.
Ahead of the summit, Zelensky held virtual talks with Trump and European leaders from Berlin, where he also met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. NATO and EU officials have urged Trump to resist Russian demands, while former diplomats and military officials have voiced scepticism that the talks will lead to peace.
The run-up to the meeting has been marked by continued fighting, including reported overnight drone strikes. Russia has also reiterated its peace conditions, which include Ukraine withdrawing from occupied regions and renouncing NATO membership — terms Kyiv rejects.
The Alaska summit is set to take place as the U.S., Russia, and European allies weigh the next steps in the nearly decade-long conflict, which began with Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and escalated with the 2022 full-scale invasion.
