During a recent meeting, I sat at a conference table, where my technical assistant asked me about the language preference for my headset.
“English,” I responded.
While flipping through the channels on a small receiver, he seemed satisfied and handed me my earpiece before moving on to help others.
As one of around 20 journalists invited to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, I made my way to the President’s Palace. Upon arrival, my phone and wallet were taken, leaving me with just my notebook and pen.
The meeting room featured brightly colored wooden tables and an off-white decor adorned with gilded details. I sat quietly there, riffling through my notes.
Then the door opened, and Zelensky walked in. He immediately headed for the designated seat at the table, tweeted a quick message to Ukrainians, and started discussing battlefield assessments.
“Harkiv, we’re holding,” he stated. “Sammy’s situation is somewhat positive. Donetsk, however, is where we face challenges.” Just the night before, reports suggested a small Russian force had maneuvered against the Ukrainian front, raising concerns among locals. Talks of upcoming negotiations in Alaska added to the tension.
“Some have already been discovered—partly removed and partly taken prisoner,” Zelensky mentioned. “The rest will be found and neutralized soon.”
In that moment, I witnessed our tense leader.
That’s the current status of affairs in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, in Alaska tomorrow, two world leaders will engage in discussions about a nation thousands of miles away.
Notably, the attention isn’t solely here; Europeans are watching closely. It was no surprise to see the Zelenki school in Germany recently. I also met with Prime Minister Friedrich Merz yesterday and today, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London.
President Donald Trump expressed his desire to meet with Russian leaders in person to assess whether they are serious about a ceasefire in Ukraine.
When asked about potential consequences should Putin refuse to halt the war, Trump cautioned, “It will have very serious consequences.”
If Friday’s discussions go well, there may soon be an opportunity for all three leaders to meet in one room.
“If the first meeting proves successful, I’d like to arrange to see President Putin, President Zelensky, and myself all together for a second discussion,” he added, suggesting that territorial issues would likely be addressed.
This matter is especially charged given Russia’s advancements in the east and Ukraine’s expectation of a significant offensive following the Alaska summit.
“They are trying to demonstrate progress and seek concessions to exert political pressure on Ukraine,” Zelensky observed. “I want them to realize that we see through this, and our military stands ready.”
Zelensky told reporters he estimates around 30,000 Russian troops from Sumy will be repositioned, predicting 15,000 to Zaporidia, 7,000 to Pokrovsk, and 5,000 to Novopabrivka.
Essentially, Russian forces seem to be targeting perceived weaknesses in the Ukrainian defenses.
While Zelensky expressed concerns about Russia’s intentions, suggesting they are preparing to increase pressure, he shared his thoughts on Putin’s motives.
“I told my colleagues, including the US President and friends in Europe, that President Putin has no interest in peace. He aims to occupy our land, and we all understand this. Putin can’t fool anyone. We need to maintain pressure for peace, with sanctions applied not just in America but also across Europe.”
There’s a palpable tension in Ukraine as the bear and eagle prepare to face off on Friday.
