U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that there is a strong possibility of a second meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, following a scheduled first encounter in Anchorage, Alaska. Trump warned that if Moscow refuses to end the war, it will face severe consequences.
President Donald Trump on talks with Vladimir Putin
President Trump confirmed on Wednesday that a second meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin is highly likely, following their planned first encounter on Friday in Anchorage, Alaska. He said the second discussion would be more productive, having first assessed their positions and actions.
He added that a brief second meeting would involve President Zelensky and himself if invited, saying: “The first meeting may bring many benefits and will be very important, but it sets the groundwork for the second.”
Serious Consequences Loom
Trump also discussed a conference call with European leaders, including President Zelensky, which he rated “a ten.” He warned Russia that severe consequences would follow if the Kremlin fails to halt the war after the Friday meeting.
He noted that steps taken against Moscow in the event of no ceasefire would include additional sanctions, and expressed doubt about Putin’s commitment to stop attacks on civilians, recalling the devastation of missiles hitting civilian facilities.
He remarked, “I conducted many good talks with him, and when I return home, I see missiles striking nursing homes or residential blocks, and people lying dead on the streets.”
Trump‑Putin Meeting Details
The White House confirmed that Trump and Putin will meet on Friday in Anchorage at the Elmendorf‑Richardson military base under stringent security protocols. They will hold a face‑to‑face discussion, with Trump planning to determine within the first few minutes whether Putin is ready to suspend the fighting and will relay this information immediately to President Zelensky and European leaders.
