Pakistan, Aug. 14 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for U.S. President Donald Trump's diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine, ahead of a high-stakes summit between the two leaders scheduled for Friday in Alaska. More than three years into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Putin said the Trump administration is showing "genuine and active" interest in halting the conflict.

In a video message released Thursday, Putin indicated that the upcoming summit could lead to broader agreements, including possible steps toward nuclear arms control. He described the talks as a chance to build a framework for lasting peace "between our countries, in Europe, and globally."

President Trump, while optimistic, acknowledged the ri...