Trump issued a stark warning to the Kremlin ahead of a high-stakes meeting in Alaska, telling Vladimir Putin there would be “very severe consequences” if Russia refuses steps toward ending the war. He also hinted at a rapid follow-up session that could bring Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy directly into the talks.
Speaking at the Kennedy Center, Trump described Friday’s Anchorage summit as a first-step “listening” meeting to gauge Putin’s intentions, declining to specify what those consequences might be. He rated a pre-summit call with Kyiv and European leaders a “10” and pledged to brief them after meeting Putin.
When asked whether he could persuade Putin to stop strikes on civilians, Trump said “probably no,” noting that attacks have continued despite earlier conversations. The White House and its allies have framed the Alaska meeting as an attempt to explore a path to a ceasefire.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz organized a virtual call with Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Zelenskyy, and European leaders, pressing for a ceasefire-first approach, Ukraine’s direct inclusion in talks, and credible, enforceable security guarantees. Merz called the discussion “exceptionally constructive,” stressing that borders cannot be changed by force and that pressure on Moscow should increase if there is no progress.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Trump was “very clear” the United States will push for a ceasefire at the summit. He reiterated that territorial questions must be negotiated by Ukraine, not decided over its head.
European capitals remain cautious after Trump previously floated the idea of territorial “land swaps,” which Kyiv rejects, fearing such moves could cement Russian gains. In Berlin, Zelenskyy warned that Putin is “bluffing” about peace while stepping up pressure on the front lines, and repeated that “no decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine” will work. He insisted any arrangement must come with reliable security guarantees — a stance echoed by European and NATO leaders.
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Both Washington and Moscow say they want a productive session in Anchorage. Allies agree on key priorities: keep Ukraine at the table, secure an initial ceasefire, and ensure any agreement comes with enforceable guarantees.
