US President Donald Trump has warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin will face “very severe consequences” if he refuses to stop the war in Ukraine.
The warning came just two days before the two leaders are set to meet for a summit in Alaska on Friday. Addressing reporters at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday, Trump was asked whether Russia would face any consequences if Putin did not agree to stop the war after their meeting. He replied, “Yes, they will,” adding that these consequences could range from tariffs to sanctions. He further said, “I don’t have to say. There will be severe consequences.” The summit is expected to focus heavily on Ukraine. Trump made the statement after announcing the Kennedy Center Honors recipients in Washington. He said ending the conflict was a priority for the meeting. The statement followed a virtual conference between Trump and European leaders, joined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During the talks, Trump assured his allies he would push for a ceasefire.
European Leaders Push for Ceasefire
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who hosted the meeting, said that any negotiations must start with a ceasefire. He said Trump appeared committed to making that happen.
French President Emmanuel Macron said that Trump also planned to pursue a future trilateral meeting with Putin and Zelenskyy, possibly in Europe, if the Alaska talks make progress.
Merz said European and Ukrainian leaders made it clear that Ukraine must be directly involved in any peace talks. They fear that leaving Kyiv out could allow Moscow to secure favorable concessions.
Zelenskyy, speaking from Berlin, expressed doubts about Putin’s willingness to negotiate honestly. He said Putin is “bluffing” about being able to take all of Ukraine and about being unaffected by sanctions, which Zelenskyy insists are hurting Russia’s war economy.
Concerns Over Land Concessions
Trump has said that Ukraine might have to give up some land that Russia controls if there is to be a peace deal. He also spoke about possible “land swaps,” but did not say what Russia might give in return.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine cannot give away any land because it is against the country’s laws. He also said this could lead to more attacks from Russia. Zelenskyy added that the peace talks led by the US have not given Ukraine strong promises for its safety.
The Trump administration has said Ukraine will not be allowed to join NATO. It also said European countries should do more for their own security, while the US focuses on other issues.
Russia’s Push In Eastern Ukraine
Russian forces are advancing around Pokrovsk, a key city in the Donetsk region. Capturing it would give Moscow an important victory and disrupt Ukrainian supply lines. Analysts say the outcome of this battle could influence the tone of the Alaska summit.
European leaders warn that if Russia sees success in Ukraine, Putin may eventually target other European countries. Merz said that if there is no progress in Alaska, the US and Europe must increase pressure on Moscow.
The war in Ukraine is now in its fourth year, and the Alaska summit will be the first direct meeting between Trump and Putin since Trump returned to office.
