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European leaders on Saturday welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump'splans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on ending the war in Ukraine, while stressing the need to keep pressure on Moscow and protect Ukrainian and European security interests, Reuters reported.

Trump plans to meet Putin in Alaska on Friday, saying the parties, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, were close to a deal that could resolve the three-and-a-half-year-old conflict.

The U.S. president is open to a trilateral summit with Putin and Zelenskiy, but for now the White House is planning a bilateral meeting as requested by Putin, a White House official said. Russian and Ukrainian officials could not immediately be reached for comment on the prospects of a trilateral meeting, according to Reuters.

US Vice-President JD Vance and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy are hosting a meeting near London with senior security officials from the US, Ukraine, and Europe to discuss the war in Ukraine.

The talks come ahead of a planned August 15 summit between Presidents Trump and Putin. Trump has suggested Ukraine may need to give up some territory for peace, but Ukrainian President Zelensky firmly rejects this, insisting Ukraine won’t cede land and must be involved in any peace deal, according to BBC.

European leaders share this view, warning that Ukraine’s future can’t be decided without its voice. While there’s hope Zelensky might join the talks, many Ukrainians remain wary of peace efforts that don’t fully respect their sovereignty.

Two wildfires in Turkey’s northwestern Canakkale province forced around 1,000 people to evacuate and destroyed dozens of homes, officials said Saturday.

Environment Minister Murat Kurum reported 43 buildings in Sacakli village were badly damaged, with assessments ongoing.

The fires, now contained, also temporarily disrupted air and maritime traffic through the Dardanelles Strait, according to Xinhua.

The International Olympic Committee has praised the creation of a US government task force to support the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, calling it vital for smooth operations and full participation.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing the White House task force, which he will chair alongside Vice President JD Vance and key cabinet members. The group will focus on security, transportation, and visa processing for athletes, officials, and media, according to Xinhua.

In a statement, the IOC said the move reflects strong cooperation between the Organizing Committee and federal agencies, essential for delivering an inclusive and seamless Games. Los Angeles previously hosted the Olympics in 1932 and 1984; LA28 will be the first Summer Games in the US since Atlanta 1996.