Russian troops push deeper into eastern Ukraine as Trump-Putin summit looms

Small groups of Russian soldiers advanced deeper into eastern Ukraine on Tuesday, intensifying tensions just days before a planned summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. European Union leaders fear the meeting could result in peace terms that would legitimize Russian territorial gains at Ukraine’s expense.

The latest incursion saw Russian troops push forward near the coal-mining town of Dobropillia in Donetsk, part of Putin’s ongoing campaign to seize the region in full. Ukraine’s military deployed reserve forces, reporting heavy combat against the advancing units. The fighting comes as Ukraine continues to face a shortage of soldiers after more than three years of war.

Trump has hinted that any peace agreement could involve “swapping territories to the betterment of both” Russia and Ukraine — a proposal that has raised alarm among Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and European allies, since nearly all disputed areas are Ukrainian. Zelenskiy has stressed that any lasting peace must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and comply with international law.

European leaders and Zelenskiy plan to call Trump on Wednesday in an attempt to influence his position before Friday’s Alaska summit. While praising Trump’s peace efforts, they have warned against what Zelenskiy described as an “imitated rather than genuine peace” that could embolden Russia to seize more land.

In a small counter-offensive, Ukraine reported recapturing two villages in Sumy region on Monday. However, Russia has been pushing for control of the area as part of a proposed “buffer zone.” Analysts fear the latest Russian gains could strengthen Putin’s bargaining position in talks.

EU leaders maintain that Ukraine’s security is directly tied to Europe’s own stability. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned against pressuring Ukraine into concessions, while Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close Putin ally, mocked EU unity on the matter.

Despite recently hardening his stance on Russia by sending more weapons to Ukraine, Trump’s upcoming face-to-face with Putin — the first since 2021 — has reignited concerns he may prioritize U.S. business and political gains over European security.