Russia has accused Ukraine of increasing its attacks just days before the planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said that, in the past week, Ukrainian shelling and drone strikes have killed 22 people and injured 105 others. The ministry also shared a map showing the areas in Russian territory that were attacked. Alexei Fadeev, Deputy Spokesperson for the ministry, said that with the upcoming Russia-US Summit, Ukraine had stepped up what he called “terrorist activities” against Russian regions.
Earlier, the Russian Defence Ministry claimed that Ukraine is planning a major provocation to disrupt the meeting. In a Telegram post, the ministry said it had information from several sources that Ukraine’s security services had sent foreign journalists to Chuguev in Kharkiv, which is under Kyiv’s control. The stated purpose was to prepare reports about residents in the frontline zone. However, Russia claims that Ukraine’s military plans to carry out strikes on the city and then blame them on Russia.
The Defence Ministry alleged that Ukraine is preparing to attack a crowded residential area or a hospital with drones and missiles. They said the attack would be timed so that foreign journalists could quickly record the aftermath. According to Russia, this would make the world believe Russia was responsible, damaging its image before the summit.
Russia also announced that its forces had taken control of Suvorovo and Nikanorovka in Donetsk. Russian air defences reportedly destroyed 240 Ukrainian drones, nine aerial bombs, and four HIMARS rockets in a single day.
On the other hand, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia is not trying to end the war. He claimed that Russia is preparing for new attacks and stressed the need for strong unity among allies to resist Russian actions. He said peace can only come through strength, sanctions, and diplomatic pressure.