Trump Warns Russia of “Severe Consequences” Ahead of High-Stakes Alaska Summit

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned of “severe consequences” if Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to agree to peace in Ukraine. While withholding details, Trump hinted that economic sanctions could follow should Friday’s planned meeting in Alaska fail to produce results.

The president also revealed that if his talks with Putin show progress, a second meeting — this time including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy — could take place “almost immediately.” He described the Alaska meeting as “setting the table” for a broader negotiation.

Trump’s remarks came shortly after a high-level virtual conference involving himself, Zelenskiy, and European leaders, hosted by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The discussion was aimed at establishing firm “red lines” ahead of the U.S.–Russia talks.

“We had a very good call,” Trump said, rating it “a 10” and noting that both Macron and Zelenskiy were satisfied with the discussions. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that Trump had agreed Ukraine must be directly involved in any territorial negotiations, and that U.S. support for a ceasefire was “very clear.” Macron also underscored that Ukrainian territory “cannot be negotiated” except by Kyiv’s leadership.

Chancellor Merz echoed that sentiment, stressing that borders must not be altered by force and warning that the West would “increase the pressure” on Moscow if no progress is made in Alaska.

The stakes are high. Trump and Putin are set to address a war now in its fourth year of full-scale combat, with Russia’s latest military push deep into eastern Ukraine raising fears in Kyiv and Europe. Ukrainian leaders warn that any land-swap arrangement could reward Moscow with nearly 20% of Ukraine’s territory, emboldening Putin to expand further west.

“Putin is bluffing about wanting to end the war,” Zelenskiy said, accusing Moscow of trying to demonstrate military dominance ahead of the summit.

European leaders, wary of alienating Trump, have cautiously welcomed his peace initiative while insisting that no deal can be made without Ukraine’s direct participation. Trump’s decision last week to meet Putin marked a sudden reversal after weeks of frustration over Moscow’s resistance to U.S.-led proposals.

Meanwhile, Russian officials maintain their long-standing demands: Ukraine must withdraw from four regions claimed by Russia and renounce its NATO ambitions. Kyiv has flatly rejected these conditions as a surrender of sovereignty.

A recent Gallup poll shows that while 69% of Ukrainians support a negotiated end to the conflict, most reject any settlement involving significant territorial concessions.

The Alaska meeting could thus mark a pivotal moment — either opening the door to a broader peace process or triggering heightened tensions between Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv.