On the eve of the long-awaited meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in Alaska, mass protests erupted in the host city. Several Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and propagandists, were left without accommodation and reportedly spent the night at a stadium.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones launched new attacks on Russian infrastructure, striking targets in Yenakiieve and Syzran and causing fires at oil refineries. As a result, Russia has extended its gasoline export ban at least until the end of September.
In Russia, debates continue on how to protect critical infrastructure, with some politicians suggesting moving oil facilities underground.
On the diplomatic front, Trump's team says he will assess the seriousness of Putin's intentions; if the talks are unproductive, Trump will not pursue a trilateral meeting with President Zelensky. Putin, for his part, focuses on strategic arms control, only briefly mentioning Ukraine.
Within Ukraine, there are few illusions about immediate progress in the negotiations. Public attention is centered on supporting the armed forces, with military units receiving drones and supplies thanks to charitable donations. Ukrainian society continues to call for increased support for army and defense efforts.
Thus, despite major international activity, expectations of a breakthrough remain modest, and the emphasis stays on Ukraine's defense and grassroots support for the military.
