Demonstrators in Anchorage, Alaska protested against U.S. President Donald Trump meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin without the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Activists organized a pro-Ukraine protest in Anchorage, a few hours before a summit on Ukraine between Trump and Putin.

"They are both malignant narcissists who have only their best interests at heart, said protester Stephanie Shaffer. If they truly wanted to talk what was going on in Ukraine and how to end the war, they would have included President Zelenskyy."

Trump said there was a 25% chance that the summit would fail, but he also floated the idea that, if the meeting succeeds, he could bring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Alaska for a subsequent, three-way meeting.

Another protester, Nelta Edwards, was also skeptical of Trump and Putin's meeting.

"I think it's all for show and it won't lead to anything good," she told AP.

Trump has long boasted that he’s gotten along well with Putin and spoken admiringly of him, even praising him as “pretty smart” for invading Ukraine. But in recent months, he’s expressed frustrations with Putin and threatened more sanctions on his country.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy and other European leaders worked to ensure their interests are taken into account when Trump and Putin meet in Anchorage.

European leaders who consulted with Trump this week said the president assured them he would prioritize trying to achieve a ceasefire.