BERLIN. U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that there will be “very severe consequences” if Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to agree to stop the war in Ukraine during their upcoming summit in Alaska.
Speaking after announcing the Kennedy Center Honors recipients in Washington, Trump did not specify what measures the United States might take if no agreement is reached. The warning came after consultations with European leaders, who stated that Trump assured them he would prioritize pushing for a ceasefire when he meets with Putin in Anchorage on Friday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined key allies in a virtual meeting with Trump, telling participants that Putin “is bluffing” about Russia’s ability to occupy all of Ukraine and withstand sanctions. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who convened the meeting, emphasized that “important decisions” could be made in Alaska, but stressed that “fundamental European and Ukrainian security interests must be protected.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said Trump was “very clear” in his goal to achieve a ceasefire at the summit. Macron added that Trump plans to seek a future trilateral meeting involving himself, Putin, and Zelenskyy, potentially in a neutral European country acceptable to all parties.
Merz said European leaders insisted that Ukraine must be included in any follow-up peace talks. Both European allies and Kyiv remain wary that negotiations excluding Ukraine could favor Moscow. Zelenskyy, who joined the Berlin meeting in person, reiterated his doubts about Putin’s sincerity, saying the Russian leader “definitely does not want peace” and is applying military pressure to project strength.
Trump has said the Alaska summit will be “a feel-out meeting” to gauge Putin’s intentions. However, he has drawn criticism in Europe for suggesting Ukraine may have to cede some Russian-held territory and for downplaying the need for Zelenskyy’s direct participation in the talks.
Zelenskyy has rejected any proposal requiring Ukraine to withdraw from territories it still controls, calling such concessions unconstitutional and a prelude to future Russian aggression. He has also stressed the need for security guarantees to prevent further conflict and to ensure Europe’s involvement in negotiations.
Meanwhile, Russian forces are intensifying operations near Pokrovsk in the eastern Donbas region. Analysts say losing the city would be a major setback for Ukraine ahead of the summit, potentially disrupting supply lines and bolstering Russia’s position in ongoing peace discussions.
