U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, declaring that “very severe consequences” will follow if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine during their upcoming summit in Alaska.
The statement came during a virtual meeting with European leaders, where Trump emphasised his intent to broker peace.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed Trump’s clarity on prioritising a ceasefire, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Putin of bluffing and intensifying pressure on Ukrainian fronts. Zelenskyy also highlighted the effectiveness of sanctions against Russia and reiterated Ukraine’s refusal to concede any territory.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz convened the European leaders to ensure their voices are heard ahead of the summit. He stressed that European and Ukrainian security interests must be protected, especially as Trump’s administration has sidelined Ukraine from direct negotiations.
Trump hinted at a possible trilateral meeting involving himself, Putin, and Zelenskyy, potentially hosted in a neutral European country. However, concerns remain among European allies that any deal excluding Kyiv could favour Moscow and undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Zelenskyy rejected Putin’s proposal for Ukraine to withdraw from parts of Donetsk, calling it unconstitutional and a threat to future stability. He urged coordinated pressure from Western partners to force Russia into an honest peace.
As the summit approaches, the stakes are high—not just for Ukraine, but for the broader European security landscape.
