Media: Putin seeks gains from Trump as Russian forces push forward in Ukraine

Days before a high-stakes summit in Alaska between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian forces have broken through Ukraine’s defensive line near Dobropillia, north of Pokrovsk in Donetsk.

Ukrainian soldiers report confusion and panic following the advance, with initial estimates suggesting Russian troops have penetrated over 10km and cut a key supply route, Caliber.Az reports, citing The Economist.

Subversion groups may have reached nearby villages, though officials say the main wedge has yet to widen.

Shtyk, an officer in the 93rd brigade deployed to the scene, described the situation as “depressing,” pointing to failures in defensive preparation and decision-making.

Crack Ukrainian units are now on the ground, aiming to contain the surge and slow Russia’s advance. Yet the incursion has heightened anxiety among soldiers about the upcoming Alaska summit. Many worry the meeting could be misread as evidence of Ukrainian weakness rather than Russia’s ongoing aggression.

Deputy, a drone commander in the 30th brigade, stressed that Ukrainian troops will resist any peace dictated on Moscow’s terms, saying, “If there is a ceasefire, I want to hang up my uniform and never put it on again.”

Morale is tested after three and a half years of war, with soldiers growing critical of leadership decisions. Boar, a company commander in the 56th brigade, warned that any retreat would betray fallen comrades and undermine months of trench warfare near Chasiv Yar, where Ukrainian forces have held a narrow strip against repeated Russian assaults.

The Alaska summit will exclude President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European allies, yet discussions are expected to cover a potential ceasefire in Ukraine and broader U.S.-Russia relations, including sanctions relief and Arctic energy cooperation.

Analysts caution that Russia may seek rehabilitation, while Ukrainian officials remain wary of land-swap proposals promoted in Washington. Secret July talks between Kyiv and Moscow had shown progress, but conflicting approaches within the U.S. administration—including envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg—have complicated negotiations.

Ukraine insists any talks must be preceded by a full ceasefire, rejecting proposals that could force the country to cede territory.

European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have emphasised that Ukraine must be included in negotiations and guaranteed security assurances, although doubts remain about how much Washington will honour these positions.

At the front, the focus is far from diplomatic manoeuvring. “Authority means my brothers-in-arms… the rows of crosses marking where our comrades fell,” Boar said. For Ukrainian soldiers, the lives of their comrades remain the ultimate measure of any deal.

By Aghakazim Guliyev