The Russian Ministry of Defense has issued a warning alleging that Ukrainian authorities are preparing a provocation targeting civilians in the Kharkiv region, aimed at disrupting the upcoming Russia–United States summit between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, scheduled for August 15 in Anchorage, Alaska.

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According to the statement, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) allegedly transported a group of foreign journalists to the city of Chuhuiv on August 11 under the pretext of reporting on civilian life near the front lines. Moscow claims these journalists are being positioned to document the aftermath of a planned strike on a densely populated residential area or hospital, which would then be blamed on Russian forces to generate negative media coverage and undermine bilateral cooperation on resolving the war in Ukraine.

The Russian Foreign Ministry added that the information was obtained “through multiple channels” and warned that similar provocations could occur in other Ukrainian-controlled areas.

The summit, set for August 15, marks the first meeting between Trump and Putin since Trump’s re-election in 2024. It will be held in Anchorage, making it the first U.S.-hosted Russia–U.S. summit since 1988. The primary agenda is the Russia–Ukraine war, with Trump aiming to broker a ceasefire and push for territorial negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not expected to attend, raising concerns among European allies about Kyiv’s exclusion from peace talks.

Russian officials have portrayed the summit as a diplomatic breakthrough, while critics warn that it could legitimize Moscow’s territorial claims and pressure Ukraine into concessions.

Meanwhile, Russian envoy Rodion Miroshnik reported a surge in Ukrainian shelling of civilian areas in Russia between August 4 and 10, resulting in 127 casualties, including 22 deaths, further escalating tensions ahead of the summit.

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