• Zelensky warns of no credible signals from Russia to halt hostilities, despite upcoming U.S.-Russia summit.
  • Kyiv and European allies express skepticism over summit outcomes, fearing sidelining of Ukrainian interests.
  • Russian troop movements suggest preparation for new offensives, not de-escalation.

No Signs of Russian De-escalation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Thursday that there are no credible indications from Moscow of a willingness to end the war, countering optimism surrounding the planned August 15 summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

"We see troop rotations, not withdrawals," Zelensky said in a televised address, citing intelligence reports of Russian forces regrouping for potential attacks in eastern and southern Ukraine. His remarks come as the Trump administration frames the Alaska meeting as a potential turning point, though Kyiv has not been invited to participate.

Diplomatic Skepticism

European officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, echoed Zelensky’s concerns, noting that any agreement excluding Ukraine would lack legitimacy. One diplomat described the summit as "high-risk theater" given Russia’s unchanged demands: territorial concessions, NATO exclusion, and sanctions relief.

Market reactions were muted, though Ukraine’s sovereign bonds dipped slightly amid renewed uncertainty. Analysts suggest prolonged conflict could further strain Kyiv’s economy, already battered by infrastructure damage and displaced workers.

What’s Next?

With Russia insisting on maximalist terms and Ukraine ruling out compromises, the summit appears unlikely to yield breakthroughs. "This is 2022’s Minsk talks all over again—talks about Ukraine, without Ukraine," said a Kyiv-based political analyst. Meanwhile, Ukrainian civil society groups are mobilizing against perceived Western pressure to concede, underscoring the domestic stakes for Zelensky.

The Defense Ministry declined to comment on specific troop movements but confirmed "active defensive operations" continue in Donbas.