Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing for new offensive operations, despite an upcoming peace summit in Alaska scheduled for Friday. Ongoing fierce combat, along with long-range drone and missile strikes, continues as the U.S. and Russia prepare for the meeting. Ukrainian representatives are not expected to attend, although a source from Zelenskyy's office indicated that the situation remains fluid.

Zelenskyy has ramped up diplomatic efforts ahead of the summit, aiming to secure international support for Ukraine's key demands in any potential peace agreement. He expressed skepticism about Putin's intentions, suggesting that the Russian leader is not ready to cease hostilities. "Putin is definitely not preparing for a ceasefire or an end to the war," Zelenskyy said, citing intelligence reports. He added that Putin aims to portray the meeting with the U.S. as a personal victory while continuing to apply pressure on Ukraine.

Zelenskyy noted, "So far, there is no indication whatsoever that the Russians have received signals to prepare for a post-war situation. On the contrary, they are redeploying their troops and forces in ways that suggest preparations for new offensive operations." He emphasized that if someone were genuinely preparing for peace, their actions would reflect that.

The Ukrainian president has made it clear that Kyiv will not concede any territory to Russia, will maintain its aspirations for NATO membership, and will not accept limitations on its military capabilities. In contrast, Moscow's demands include the cession of several regions in southern and eastern Ukraine, restrictions on the size and sophistication of Ukraine's military, and a permanent exclusion from NATO. Additionally, Putin seeks the lifting of all international sanctions on Russia as part of any peace agreement. Zelenskyy has characterized these demands as an attempt to "partition Ukraine."

Former President Donald Trump described the upcoming summit as a "feel out meeting," stating, "I'm going in to speak to Vladimir, and I'm going to be telling him, 'You got to end this war. You got to end it.'" Trump expressed confidence in his ability to gauge the potential for a deal quickly, saying, "At the end of that meeting, probably in the first two minutes, I'll know exactly whether or not a deal can be made." He added, "Because that's what I do. I make deals."