Trump Threatens 'Severe Consequences' If Putin Blocks Ukraine Peace

But he also says Alaska meeting can lead to follow-up talks that include Ukraine leader

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President Donald Trump threatened "severe consequences" if Russia's President Vladimir Putin does not agree to peace in Ukraine, but also said on Aug. 13 that a meeting between them could swiftly be followed by a second that would include the leader of Ukraine.

Mr. Trump did not specify what the consequences could be, but he has warned of economic sanctions if his meeting with Mr. Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15 proves fruitless.

The comments by Mr. Trump and the outcome of a virtual conference with Mr. Trump, European leaders, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held on Aug. 13 could provide encouragement for Kyiv after fears that the Alaska summit could end up selling out Ukraine by carving up its territory.

However, Russia is likely to resist Ukraine and Europe's demands strongly and previously has said its stance had not changed since it was first detailed by Mr. Putin in June 2024.

When asked if Russia would face any consequences if Mr. Putin does not agree to stop the war after the Aug. 15 meeting, Mr. Trump responded: "Yes, they will."

Asked if those consequences would be sanctions or tariffs, Mr. Trump told reporters: "I don't have to say. There will be very severe consequences."

But the President also described the aim of the meeting between the two leaders in Alaska as "setting the table" for a quick follow-up that would include Mr. Zelensky.

"If the first one goes okay, we'll have a quick second one," Mr. Trump said.