Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has expressed concerns that a recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin may have given Moscow a public relations boost. The two leaders met in Alaska on August 15 as part of efforts to negotiate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Although the meeting did not produce any significant breakthroughs, both sides described it as a positive step.

Zelensky told ABC News that he believes Trump’s meeting with Putin was a victory for the Russian leader, who had been seeking a high-profile meeting with the US president. “It’s a pity that Ukraine was not there, because I think that President Trump gave Putin what he wanted,” Zelensky said. He added that Putin was “playing games with the United States” and sought to use the meeting to showcase his relationship with the US leader.

The Ukrainian president also called for increased pressure on Moscow, citing the fact that some European Union countries continue to purchase Russian oil and gas. He argued that this is “not fair” and that more needs to be done to hold Russia accountable for its actions. In response to Russia’s demands, Ukraine has refused to recognize the new border established by Moscow and has continued to pursue membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Russia has listed several conditions for a ceasefire, including an end to Western arms deliveries to Ukraine. The US has imposed sanctions on Russia in the past and has recently added a 25% tariff on Indian imports of Russian oil. President Trump has hinted that he may be willing to impose additional sanctions on Moscow, but it remains to be seen what specific actions the US will take.

The situation between Russia and Ukraine remains complex and volatile, with both sides dug in on their respective positions. The international community will be watching closely to see how events unfold and what steps the US and other countries take to address the situation. As the conflict continues, it is likely that there will be further diplomatic efforts to negotiate a peaceful resolution.