President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, vowing “very severe consequences” if Moscow refuses to end its war in Ukraine after their planned summit in Alaska this Friday.
The warning came on Wednesday following Trump’s virtual meeting with European leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to officials, Zelenskyy stressed the importance of ensuring that any peace deal does not sideline Kyiv’s interests. The call was described by Trump as “very good” and “a 10.”
High-stakes Alaska summit
Trump said he would consider proposing a three-way meeting with Putin and Zelenskyy “almost immediately” if the initial talks with the Russian leader go well. However, he cautioned that a follow-up session might not happen if Moscow does not provide “the answers that we have to have.”
“Now, there may be no second meeting because if I feel that it’s not appropriate to have it… then we’re not going to have a second meeting,” Trump told reporters at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
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While Trump has previously threatened tougher sanctions against Russia, he did not specify what measures would be taken if Putin refuses to end the war. His administration has been under pressure from European allies to take stronger action in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The Alaska summit will mark one of the most closely watched diplomatic events of Trump’s presidency, given its potential to shift the trajectory of the nearly two-year-old conflict. The meeting location was chosen for its high security and strategic distance from European capitals.
Global reaction and context
Ukraine’s government has consistently urged Washington to maintain a firm stance against Russian aggression. International observers note that the outcome of these talks could have lasting implications for NATO unity and U.S.-Russia relations.
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