Russia Accuses Ukraine of Plotting to Disrupt Putin–Trump Talks

Russia’s Ministry of Defense has claimed it possesses reliable intelligence indicating that Ukraine is preparing a major attack aimed at undermining confidence and preparations for a high-profile meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump.

The summit, scheduled to take place in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15, 2025, is expected to serve as a key platform for discussions on ending the long-running war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as restoring strained relations between Moscow and Washington.

In a statement issued on August 12, 2025, Moscow alleged that Ukraine plans to carry out an attack in the city of Kharkiv that would be blamed on Russian forces, with the intention of tarnishing Russia’s image on the international stage.

Reports claim that European journalists have already been deployed to the area where the alleged attack may take place, with the aim of capturing photos and videos portraying Russia as responsible for civilian casualties.

According to Russian officials, in the days leading up to the summit, Ukraine could launch strikes using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in densely populated areas or even on hospitals, in an effort to present the incident as a Russian operation.

These allegations follow the events of 2022, when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russian forces of killing civilians in the city of Bucha — charges Moscow denied, calling them fabricated stories intended to derail peace talks that were taking place in Istanbul at the time.

The new claims also come after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on preparations for the leaders’ meeting.

There are also indications that following the talks, Donald Trump may make an official visit to Moscow, as part of efforts to foster a renewed partnership between the United States and Russia.