Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed battlefield gains on its eastern front against Russian forces on August 16 as both sides sought military advantages ahead of Zelenskyy’s planned White House meeting with President Donald Trump.

Trump’s desire for Ukraine to give up its remaining territory in this key eastern region to end the war could remain elusive. Ahead of the Alaska meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly dismissed such a possibility, saying it would only pave the way for future war.