Donald Trump issues ‘very severe’ threat to Putin if he doesn’t agree to terms ahead of high-stakes meeting

President Donald Trump told reporters that if Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to show any real effort toward ending the war in Ukraine, he is ready to take strong action against Russia. He described the consequences as “very severe,” though he did not explain exactly what they would be.

Trump and Putin are about to meet face-to-face in Anchorage, Alaska, for what is being described as a high-stakes discussion about how to bring the war to an end. The conflict began on February 24, 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine and took over about 20% of its territory. Since returning to the presidency in January, Trump has repeatedly tried to push for a ceasefire, but so far, his efforts have not been successful.

He said that every time he has called on Putin to negotiate, Russia has instead stepped up its attacks on Ukraine. Speaking aboard Air Force One on his way to Alaska, Trump told reporters that his threat to Russia is meant to save lives, not for his own benefit. “Economically severe. It will be very severe,” he said. “I’d like to focus on our country, but I’m doing this to save a lot of lives.”

When pressed for details, Trump declined to say what specific actions he would take, repeating only that the consequences would be “very severe.” He admitted he was not certain he could stop Putin from attacking civilians, noting that even after having “good conversations” with him, he would return home to see news of rockets hitting nursing homes and apartment buildings.

Trump also referred to the war as “Biden’s war” but said he wanted to end it and would take pride in doing so, just as he claims to have ended other conflicts during his time in office. Still, he admitted the reality might be that he cannot get Putin to stop, despite his intentions.