Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is getting ready for new military attacks in Ukraine, rejecting any idea that Moscow is moving toward a ceasefire. His statement comes just days before Putin is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska for peace talks.
In a late-night video message, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian intelligence shows that Russia is redeploying troops and weapons, especially in the Zaporizhia region, for fresh assaults. He stressed that these actions prove Putin is not preparing for peace but for more fighting.
“He is definitely not preparing for a ceasefire or an end to the war,” Zelenskyy said. “If someone is preparing for peace, this is not what he does.”
The Ukrainian leader also warned that the upcoming Trump–Putin talks might be used by Moscow as political theatre to appear diplomatic, while in reality planning further military operations.
According to Ukrainian military officials, Russian forces have been shifting units in southern Ukraine to prepare for future attacks. Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War in the U.S. also pointed out that Russia has not shown any signs of wanting a genuine negotiated settlement, but instead appears to be trying to buy time.
Zelenskyy shared these concerns with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, highlighting that Russia’s continued strikes on civilian areas prove it is not serious about ending the war.
International support for Ukraine’s position remains strong. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canada’s Carney both confirmed that any peace agreement must involve Ukraine directly and cannot be decided by outside powers. They stressed that Ukraine’s future must be based on freedom, sovereignty, and self-determination.
President Trump said he will quickly know in his meeting with Putin whether there is any chance of ending the war. He also mentioned that a future meeting could include President Zelenskyy.
