Planned attacks target residential areas, hospitals for Western media; Moscow claims Ukraine aims to disrupt peace
Moscow
The Russian Defence Ministry on Wednesday accused Ukraine of planning a provocation to derail the August 15 meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
In a Telegram statement, the ministry claimed Ukrainian security services had sent foreign journalists to Chuguev, Kharkiv, under the guise of reporting from the frontline. Russia alleged that Ukrainian forces intended to strike the city with drones and missiles, causing heavy civilian casualties, and then blame Moscow.
The ministry said such an incident would create negative media coverage and threaten US-Russia cooperation on resolving the Ukraine conflict. It also warned of possible similar actions in other Kyiv-controlled areas.
According to the statement, the planned attacks would target residential areas or hospitals, ensuring Western journalists could quickly document the aftermath. Moscow maintains this is part of Ukraine’s strategy to disrupt peace efforts.
Trump confirmed the Alaska summit on Truth Social, calling it “highly anticipated” and promising more details soon. The talks are expected to focus on securing a long-term settlement to the war in Ukraine.
Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said Moscow hopes the next Trump-Putin meeting will be hosted in Russia and revealed an official invitation has been sent to the US President.
The Alaska meeting comes amid heightened tensions, with Moscow accusing Kyiv of manipulation and Kyiv yet to respond to the latest claims. The outcome of the summit could influence the future of peace negotiations between the two nations.
