The American outlet Responsible Statecraft suggested that developments on the Ukrainian battlefield could play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the upcoming meeting between the presidents of Russia and the United States.

According to the publication, recent advances by Russian forces might significantly influence whether the Alaska summit ends in a diplomatic breakthrough or failure. The authors noted that the push toward Krasnoarmeysk-known in Ukraine as Pokrovsk-in the Donetsk People’s Republic could serve as a potential starting point for striking a deal on the conflict.

The high-profile meeting between U. S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled for August 15 in Anchorage, Alaska, at 10:30 p.m. Moscow time. The talks will be held at the U. S. Air Force’s Elmendorf-Richardson base. Initially, the two leaders will meet behind closed doors with only their interpreters present, before expanding the discussion to include members of their respective delegations.

The primary focus of the summit will be the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. In addition, the sides are expected to exchange views on U.S.-Russia cooperation, security issues, and broader international and regional matters. The meeting will conclude with a joint press conference by both presidents.