Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday said he had warned US President Donald Trump ahead of his meeting with Vladimir Putin that the Russian leader is “bluffing” about wanting to end the war.
The Alaska meeting between Trump and Putin, scheduled for Friday, has raised concerns in Kyiv and among its allies that the two leaders might try to influence peace terms in the 3½-year conflict.
“I told the US president and all our European colleagues that Putin is bluffing,” Zelensky said during a joint briefing in Berlin with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. “He is trying to apply pressure before the Alaska meeting across all parts of the Ukrainian front. Russia is trying to show it can occupy all of Ukraine.”
Zelensky’s remarks followed a virtual call with Trump and European leaders, amid intensified Russian attacks in eastern Ukraine aimed at forcing Kyiv to cede territory. The Ukrainian president expressed hope that the Alaska talks would focus on an immediate ceasefire, adding that discussions on territorial matters should involve a three-leader meeting.
“Decisions about our principles and territorial integrity are ultimately made at the leadership level,” he said. “It is impossible to decide without Ukraine, and everyone supports this position.” Zelensky also mentioned that Trump assured him he would brief him on the outcome of his discussions with Putin.
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