Zelenskyy and European Leaders Advise Trump Ahead of Putin Summit

National Guard Deployment in DC

• 🛡️ National Guard troops have increased patrols in Washington D.C. on the third day of federal control of the city's police.
• 📈 President Trump described DC crime as "out of control," justifying the troop deployment, while Mayor Bowser stated violent crime is at a 30-year low.
• ⚠️ Some residents feel safer with the increased presence, while others express anxiety.
• 🏛️ The Justice Department's authority over DC police lasts less than 30 days unless Congress extends it.

Pre-Summit Diplomacy

• 🤝 Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and European leaders consulted with President Trump before his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
• 🗣️ Allies emphasized the need for a ceasefire before commencing negotiations and called for stronger economic sanctions on Russia if Putin does not comply.

Stakes and Putin's Stance

• 🎯 President Trump hopes for a successful meeting with Putin that could lead to a future summit with Zelenskyy, but he will first assess Putin's intentions.
• 💔 Trump expressed frustration over reported Russian actions, such as rocket attacks on civilian areas, occurring after his conversations with Putin.
• 🤥 Zelenskyy warned that Putin is bluffing and attempting to exert pressure on all fronts, including Ukraine, to portray Russia as capable of occupying the entire country.
• 🏞️ Putin reportedly desires Ukraine to cede a significant portion of the Donetsk region, a proposal that Zelenskyy has rejected.
• 🧐 Zelenskyy stressed the importance of the principle "trust but verify" for any written agreement.

International Calls

• 📞 While the US conferred with allies, Vladimir Putin spoke with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who has been supporting Russia's military efforts.