() President Donald Trump is ramping up pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning there will be “very severe consequences” if a ceasefire deal in Ukraine isn’t reached after their Friday summit in Alaska.
However, he did not specify what those consequences might be.
Trump’s warning follows a virtual meeting Wednesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders. Trump rated the call a “10,” calling it “very, very friendly” and describing it as preparation for the Alaska summit.
Zelenskyy: Putin does not want peace
Zelenskyy, who has long doubted Russia’s intentions, said Wednesday he warned Trump and European allies that “Putin definitely does not want peace.”
“He wants the occupation of our country,” Zelenskyy continued. “We all really understand that. Putin will not be able to deceive anyone. We need further pressure for peace. Not only American, but also European sanctions.”
For Ukraine and Europe, the stakes are high for Friday’s summit, though both will be excluded from the room. Trump said his goal is to look Putin in the eye and assess him directly.
Trump eyes meeting with Putin, Zelenskyy
If the summit goes well, Trump said he hopes to arrange another meeting with both Putin and Zelenskyy.
“We’ll have a quick second meeting between President Putin and President Zelenskyy and myself, if they’d like to have me there,” Trump said. “Certain great things can be gained in the first meeting. It’s going to be a very important meeting, but it’s setting the table for the second meeting.”
Ukraine’s military has warned Russia is preparing a large-scale offensive in the Donetsk region, potentially to gain leverage before negotiations. Ukrainian intelligence officials suggested the assault could begin shortly after the summit.
