President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, vowing “very severe consequences” if Moscow refuses to end its war against Ukraine. The message came ahead of a high-profile summit between the two leaders set to take place Friday in Anchorage, Alaska.
Speaking in Washington after unveiling this year’s Kennedy Center Honors recipients, Trump responded to a reporter’s question about the upcoming summit. Though he did not specify what form those consequences might take, his comments signaled a hardening stance as pressure mounts from European allies.
Trump’s remarks followed a virtual consultation with European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who joined from Berlin. Zelenskyy warned the group that Putin is “bluffing” about his ability to seize all of Ukraine and remain unaffected by Western sanctions.
He insisted that a ceasefire must top the summit’s agenda but cautioned that Putin “definitely does not want peace.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who organized the meeting, emphasised the importance of protecting Ukrainian and European security interests. “Important decisions could be made in Alaska,” Merz said, adding that peace talks must begin with an immediate halt to hostilities. Merz said Trump appeared committed to pushing for a ceasefire when he meets with Putin.
In a separate appearance, French President Emmanuel Macron said Trump had made it “very clear” that a ceasefire is a key US objective.
Macron also revealed that Trump plans to pursue a three-way summit involving Putin, Zelenskyy, and himself possibly in a neutral European country.
European leaders have insisted that Ukraine must be directly involved in any future negotiations, warning that any deal struck without Kyiv’s presence would likely favor Moscow. Merz echoed this sentiment, saying Ukraine must have a seat at the table for follow-up talks.
Zelenskyy remains skeptical of Putin’s intentions. “He is trying to apply pressure across all sectors of the front,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Moscow’s military posture is meant to project strength ahead of the summit. He also rejected any deal requiring Ukraine to relinquish more territory, calling it unconstitutional and dangerous.
Trump, who has described the Alaska summit as “a feel-out meeting,” said he wants to gauge whether Putin is serious about ending the conflict, now entering its fourth year. Yet his allies in Europe have expressed concern over Trump’s previous comments suggesting Ukraine might need to cede some Russian-held territory and his reluctance to commit to including Zelenskyy in talks with Putin.
In recent weeks, the Trump administration has signaled a shift in US priorities, taking Ukraine’s NATO aspirations off the table and placing greater responsibility on Europe to manage its own security. This has raised alarm among EU officials, who fear Trump may be more focused on reviving economic ties with Russia than securing a lasting peace.
Meanwhile, on the ground in Ukraine, Russian forces are pressing forward in the Donbas region. Military analysts report that Kremlin troops are nearing Pokrovsk, a key city in Donetsk. If captured, it would be a strategic win for Russia and potentially weaken Ukraine’s defensive lines just days before the summit.
European leaders remain wary that if Putin succeeds in Ukraine, he may soon set his sights beyond. “If there is no movement on the Russian side in Alaska,” Merz warned, “then the United States and the Europeans should and must increase the pressure.”
As diplomacy inches forward, Ukraine continues to hold the line with no intention of surrendering territory or compromising its sovereignty.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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