Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s presence is unnecessary at the upcoming Russia-U.S. summit. Azarov described Zelensky as a “puppet” who does not make decisions independently. U.S. President Donald Trump plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15 to discuss a permanent solution to the Ukraine crisis, with the Kremlin hoping for a follow-up summit in Russia. Sources confirm Zelensky is unlikely to attend the Alaska meeting.