Russia 'dragging out' war, Zelenskyy says, ahead of Alaska summit
Share and Follow


() As a meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin draws near, Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of “dragging out the war.”

“Russia refuses to stop the killings, and therefore must not receive any rewards or benefits. And this is not just a moral position – it is a rational one,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media.

Trump and Putin will meet Friday in Alaska, where the pair are slated to discuss ending Russia’s yearslong war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy could also join in the peace talks, a White House official told .

Though the official said Trump “remains open to a trilateral summit with both leaders,” as of Monday, Ukraine was still on the outside looking in.

In a Sunday address, Zelenskyy vowed his country won’t let Russia “deceive” the United States, according to a translation released by his office.

“Of course, our team is working with the United States not a single day goes by without communication on how to ensure real peace,” Zelenskyy said. “We understand Russia’s intention to try to deceive America we will not allow this. I greatly value the determination with which President Trump is committed to bringing an end to the killings in this war.”

Leaders in Kyiv believe they should have a role in negotiations to determine the future of their country especially if the conversation is moving toward “territorial swaps,” as Trump has said.

Moscow’s demands for ending the war include cementing Russia’s territorial gains and preventing Ukraine from joining NATO or hosting troops from the West.

Ukraine has raised concerns that Russia will use Alaska to show face for negotiations but continue the war on the ground in an attempt to push deeper into Ukrainian territory and take more land.

Ahead of the meeting, attacks between Russia and Ukraine have not eased. The latest strikes hit Zaporizhzhia, one of the cities Russia has sought to control, with at least seven killed across Ukraine in the last day, local media reported.

A Ukrainian drone attack killed one person and hurt two others in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod, the region’s governor said Monday.

‘s Anna Kutz and Libbey Dean contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
55-year-old killed in Birmingham, coroner searching for family

Tragic Loss: Birmingham Authorities Seek Family of 55-Year-Old Victim

In Birmingham, Alabama, the tragic death of a 55-year-old man is under…
Christmas decorations hang from a tree on the front yard to Rob Reiner

Renowned Photographer Michele Singer Reiner, Influential in Shaping 1980s Romantic Comedies, Passes Away

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michele Singer Reiner, a noted photographer and producer…
Two Iowa soldiers killed in Syria remembered as 'cherished heroes'

Iowa Mourns the Loss of Two Soldiers in Syria, Honoring Them as ‘Cherished Heroes

The identities of the two American soldiers killed in a Syrian ambush…
Erika Kirk to meet Candace Owens for private in-person meeting

Erika Kirk and Candace Owens Set to Convene for Exclusive In-Person Discussion

In a significant development, Erika Kirk has agreed to meet with Candace…
Man recalls stomping on head of alleged Bondi shooter

Heroic Bystander Describes Brave Act Against Alleged Bondi Shooter

A witness to the tragic Bondi Beach shooting has shared his account…
2 people found dead at Rob Reiner's Los Angeles home, reports say

Tragic Discovery: Two Found Deceased at Rob Reiner’s LA Residence, Reports Confirm

A tragic discovery was made at the Brentwood residence of famed director…
Donald Trump has filed his $10BILLION lawsuit against the BBC

Donald Trump Initiates $10 Billion Legal Action Against BBC

Donald Trump has initiated a $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC, following…
Rob Reiner's family: Wife Michele and their kids Jake, Nick and Romy

Inside Rob Reiner’s Family Life: Meet Wife Michele and Their Talented Children Jake, Nick, and Romy

In a tragic turn of events, actor and director Rob Reiner and…