Alaska Summit: Trump warns Putin of “severe consequences” if a ceasefire is not reached by the weekend
United States President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that there would be “very severe consequences” if a ceasefire agreement is not reached by the end of this week.
The warning comes ahead of their highly anticipated meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, scheduled for Friday.
President Trump’s remarks followed a crucial call with European leaders, where he also expressed his hope to facilitate a “quick second meeting” between Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy. This push for direct talks between the warring nations was a key point of discussion during the call, with European allies urging Trump to prioritise such a summit.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump indicated that the Alaska summit would serve to “set the table for the second meeting” with Zelenskiy, suggesting that a more productive outcome could emerge from subsequent direct engagements. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to host Zelenskiy in London on Thursday, further highlighting the diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict.
While sceptics have raised concerns that Trump might agree to peace terms that could disadvantage Ukraine, the US President assured European leaders during the call that he would not negotiate territories with Putin. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed this, stating that any decisions on territorial concessions would solely rest with Ukraine. Macron also emphasised that European and American support for Ukraine would continue until a lasting peace is achieved.
The roughly hour-long discussion included key figures such as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish and Italian leaders, as well as President Zelenskiy and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the call as “very good,” strengthening the common ground for Ukraine.
Trump, who rated the call a “10,” affirmed his willingness to walk away from negotiations if he deems Putin insincere. He also mentioned that Turkey was discussed as a potential location for a trilateral summit involving himself, Putin, and Zelenskiy, should the initial meeting prove fruitful.
This intense diplomatic push comes as Moscow continues to demand that Ukraine cede its entire eastern Donbas region and Crimea as conditions for a ceasefire. However, Zelenskiy has firmly rejected ceding Donbas, and European nations have reiterated their stance against recognising any territory illegally occupied by Russia. The focus remains on securing a ceasefire as the crucial first step towards formal negotiations, coupled with robust security guarantees for Ukraine.
