Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed on Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing for "new offensive operations" despite Friday's looming peace summit in Alaska -- and as Russian forces appear to have scored significant frontline success in eastern Ukraine.

Moscow's forces are making gains near Pokrovsk in Ukraine's Donetsk region, according to the Institute for the Study of War.

The threats, pressure and ultimatums have come and gone, but Russian President Vladimir Putin has maintained Moscow’s uncompromising demands in Ukraine, raising fears he could use a planned summit with U.