U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin would face “very severe” or “severe” consequences if he refuses to agree to end the war in Ukraine at their meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday, declining to specify what measures he would impose. The threat followed a round of calls with European and Ukrainian leaders, and came as the White House seeks at least a ceasefire as a first step toward broader negotiations.
Trump said he hopes a successful initial discussion with Putin could be followed “almost immediately” by a second meeting that would include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, signaling a two-step approach that prioritizes a truce before moving to a wider settlement. He did not detail the prospective timeline for a trilateral, but stressed that progress toward peace is a prerequisite.
European leaders used a video conference with Trump to underline that any path to peace must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and cannot involve territorial concessions decided without Kyiv. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and other European officials voiced cautious support for a ceasefire push while insisting that pressure on Moscow continue unless there is tangible movement.
Kyiv welcomed the focus on a ceasefire but urged the U.S. and Europe to remain skeptical of Russian intentions. Zelensky said he warned Trump that Putin is “bluffing” about ending the war and pressed for firm, verifiable steps from Moscow before any sanctions relief or political concessions are considered.
Trump’s public warning echoed across U.S. and international outlets —left open what “very severe consequences” might entail, though aides have previously pointed to additional economic measures if talks fail. The remarks reflect an attempt to set expectations ahead of the Alaska summit while keeping leverage over Moscow and preserving room for a rapid follow-on meeting that would bring Ukraine directly into the process.
