Anchorage: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed that Kyiv is 'counting on America' to facilitate a path toward a just peace as the US and Russian presidents prepare for a crucial meeting in Alaska. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of the discussions leading to 'a real path toward a just peace and a substantive discussion' and urged that 'the necessary steps must be taken by Russia.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine's efforts in reinforcing positions in the Pokrovsk sector and other strategic areas in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia. He claimed that Russian forces are seeking more favorable political positions as the meeting approaches. Zelenskyy noted the effective operations of the 79th and 82nd Air Assault Brigades in the Dobropillia area, with additional reinforcements approved across multiple fronts.

Zelenskyy also mentioned ongoing discussions on developing a contract-based army and securing funding for Ukraine's Defense and Security Forces for 2025-2026. He affirmed that the military will remain ready 'under any circumstances' to defend Ukraine's statehood. As of now, Russia has not yet responded to Zelenskyy's remarks.

The meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is set for 11.30 am local time in Anchorage. This will be the first talks between sitting US and Russian presidents since the Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022. Zelenskyy previously stated that Trump expressed readiness to provide security guarantees to Ukraine. Trump has suggested a peace agreement involving territorial swaps between Russia and Ukraine and warned Putin of 'very severe consequences' if he does not agree to end the war at the summit.