Key Takeaways
- Trump’s Warning: Russia will face “very severe” economic punishment if it refuses a ceasefire.
- No Backroom Deals: Any settlement must have Ukraine’s full consent; no secret territorial compromises.
- Diplomatic Momentum: A second Trump–Putin–Zelensky meeting is on the table if Alaska talks succeed.
- European Backing: U.S. and EU leaders present a united front to push Moscow toward peace.
Washington, August 14 (HS): U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Moscow: halt the war in Ukraine or face “very severe” repercussions. Speaking to reporters at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday, Trump made it clear that if Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to agree to a ceasefire, Washington is prepared to take decisive action — including crippling tariffs and sanctions.
This hardline statement comes just one day before the highly anticipated August 15 summit in Anchorage, Alaska, where Trump and Putin are set to meet face-to-face for the first time. The talks are expected to focus squarely on ending the 18-month-long conflict.
Alaska Summit Could Set the Stage for Broader Talks
Trump hinted that if Thursday’s meeting is productive, he will push for a second round of negotiations, this time with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also at the table. The U.S. leader framed the Alaska encounter as an opportunity to “chart a clear roadmap to peace.”
European Leaders Align with Trump on Ceasefire Priority
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump joined a virtual conference with key European allies, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, alongside President Zelensky. According to Macron, Trump reaffirmed that an immediate ceasefire is his top priority, stressing that only Ukraine has the authority to decide on any territorial arrangements — dismissing any notion of a land-for-peace deal without Kyiv’s consent.
Zelensky Accuses Putin of “Bluffing”
Zelensky, speaking after the meeting, accused Putin of staging a “political bluff” to project the illusion that Russia is capable of taking all of Ukraine. He warned that Moscow has shown no genuine intent to end hostilities, urging the international community to increase pressure until Russia commits to “an honest peace.”
As the world watches the Alaska summit, the stakes could not be higher: either Moscow yields to growing international pressure, or the U.S. will respond with economic force.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
