In a flurry of pre-summit diplomacy, President Trump held separate calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several key European leaders in the days leading up to his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. These conversations, the details of which remain largely confidential, reportedly focused on setting red lines for Russia's actions concerning Ukraine and seeking a unified Western front against further Russian aggression. The urgency stemmed from heightened tensions over the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine and Russia's continued military buildup near the border, raising fears of a potential large-scale invasion.

The discussions were described by sources as intense and multifaceted. European leaders, reportedly concerned about the potential for a significant Russian incursion into Ukraine, emphasized the need for strong and coordinated Western action to deter Putin. They reportedly expressed their concerns to President Trump about the potential implications for European security and reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Zelenskyy, meanwhile, used the opportunity to directly appeal to President Trump for continued US support and to underscore the urgent need for robust measures to prevent further escalation. The outcome of these crucial pre-summit talks remains uncertain, but their significance is undeniable given the volatile geopolitical landscape and the potentially far-reaching consequences of the Alaska summit.