US President Donald Trump has warned Russia of “very severe consequences” if President Vladimir Putin refuses to end the war in Ukraine.
The two leaders are scheduled to meet on Friday in their first direct talks since Trump returned to the White House in January. Trump said the meeting would be an opportunity to gauge Putin’s willingness to end the conflict, though he declined to outline specific demands.
Speaking in Washington on Wednesday, Trump told reporters: “There will be consequences” if expectations are not met. Asked whether that meant new sanctions or tariffs, he refused to elaborate. “I don’t have to say. There will be very severe consequences.”
Trump has previously threatened to impose additional sanctions on Moscow over the war unless Putin agreed to negotiations. A deadline set for last Friday passed without new sanctions being announced.
Peace talks have stalled for months, with the Kremlin showing little sign of compromise.
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump joined a call with European officials and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, later describing it as “a very good call.”
