Trump warns of 'serious consequences' if Putin blocks ceasefire deal
Share and Follow


() 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.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Iran's ethnic minorities could hold key to regime's fate as protests continue

Ethnic Minorities in Iran: The Pivotal Force Shaping the Future Amid Ongoing Protests

Although the anti-government protests in Iran seemed to have slowed by Friday,…
Would-be assassin, 22,' caught threatening to kill VP at Disneyland'

22-Year-Old Arrested for Allegedly Threatening Vice President’s Life at Disneyland

A 22-year-old resident of California is accused of issuing alarming threats of…
Marion County teen arrested for AI-generated child sexual abuse materials, police say

Marion County Teen Arrested for Creating AI-Generated Child Exploitation Content, Authorities Report

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has revealed that a teenager was involved…
DOJ: California man found with missing Jacksonville child in 2023 sentenced to prison

DOJ: California Man Sentenced to Prison After Discovery with Missing Jacksonville Child in 2023

In a significant judicial ruling, U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has…
Fans rallying behind Chicago Bears with bagels, beer ahead of playoff game against LA Rams

Chicago Bears Supporters Energize Playoff Spirit with Bagels and Beer Before Crucial Showdown Against LA Rams

CHICAGO (WLS) — As the weekend approaches, the Windy City and its…
Ohio dentist and wife killed: Michael McKee, vascular surgeon of Chicago, indicted in Ohio murders of Spencer and Monique Tepe

Chicago Vascular Surgeon Michael McKee Indicted in Ohio Murders of Dentist Spencer Tepe and Wife Monique

A Chicago-based surgeon has been formally charged in connection with the double…
ICE releases photos after violent Minneapolis protests leave multiple alleged agitators arrested

Unveiled: ICE Shares Shocking Images of Minneapolis Unrest and Arrests of Alleged Instigators

On Friday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shared images of four…
Magnitude 6.0 earthquake strikes West Coast and felt in major cities

Powerful 6.0 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes West Coast, Impact Felt Across Major Cities

A powerful earthquake off the coast of Oregon has sent tremors through…