LONDON — President Donald Trump’s upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska is being described as a "listening exercise" by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared this information with reporters on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of the meeting scheduled for Friday in Anchorage.

Leavitt stated that the face-to-face meeting will provide Trump with valuable insights on how to potentially conclude the ongoing conflict. "I think this is a listening exercise for the president," she said. "Only one party that's involved in this war is going to be present. And so this is for the president to go and to get, again, a more firm and better understanding of how we can hopefully bring this war to an end."

Details regarding the meeting are still being finalized, but Leavitt confirmed that a one-on-one discussion between Trump and Putin is part of the agenda. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a phone conversation on Tuesday to discuss preparations for the summit. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce noted that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a successful event.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not expected to attend the summit. In a post on Telegram, he indicated that his government is taking steps to further mobilize support from allies as the meeting approaches. Zelenskyy traveled to Berlin on Wednesday to meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other European leaders.

European governments have expressed their backing for Ukraine in any forthcoming peace negotiations, urging Trump to include European and Ukrainian representatives in the discussions. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has engaged in over 30 conversations with partners regarding a potential peace settlement. He emphasized the need for a unified approach, saying, "Different parts of the world, different visions, but common positions. We must end this war. We must put pressure on Russia for an honest peace."

Zelenskyy also warned against potential deception by Russia, stating, "We must learn from the experience of Ukraine, our partners, to prevent deception by Russia. There is no sign now that the Russians are preparing to end the war. Our coordinated efforts and joint steps — of Ukraine, the United States, Europe, all countries that want peace — can definitely force Russia to make peace."

Following his meetings in Berlin, Zelenskyy is scheduled for a virtual call with Trump and Vice President JD Vance, according to officials familiar with the arrangements.

As the summit approaches, military actions continue between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched 49 drones and two ballistic missiles into the country overnight, with 32 drones and both missiles being intercepted. In response, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down 63 Ukrainian drones during the same period. The Ukrainian General Staff noted that the attacks targeted the Unecha oil pump station in Russia's Bryansk region, where a significant fire was reported.