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U.S. President Donald Trump has cautioned that Russia could face "very severe consequences" if President Vladimir Putin does not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine during their imminent summit in Alaska.
Trump stated, "Yes, they will ... very severe consequences." Both leaders are scheduled to meet on Friday, marking their first direct conversation since Trump's return to the White House in January.
Although the specifics of the negotiations are unclear, Trump indicated that the meeting would serve as an opportunity to gauge Putin’s conditions for concluding the conflict in Ukraine.
Speaking in Washington on Wednesday, Trump reiterated, "There will be consequences" if certain expectations are unmet. When questioned about potential new sanctions or tariffs, Trump opted not to elaborate, saying, "I don’t have to say," but reiterated that "there will be very severe consequences."
He had earlier threatened additional sanctions against Moscow as a repercussion for the Ukraine war should Putin not engage in discussions. A deadline for implementing these sanctions was set for last Friday, but it passed without action.
The Kremlin has largely stalled discussions regarding a ceasefire. Meanwhile, a call occurred previously involving European officials, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Trump, which Trump termed "a very good call." However, Zelensky will not participate in Friday’s talks between Trump and Putin.
This marks the first direct dialogue between the two leaders since Trump's arrival back in the White House in January, and it remains uncertain what demands or negotiations may take place, aside from Trump’s intention to evaluate Putin's stance on ending the war in Ukraine.
