President Donald Trump Warns of ‘Severe Consequences’ for Russia if War in Ukraine Continues

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President Donald Trump has warned that Russia will face “very severe consequences” if President Vladimir Putin does not agree to halt the war in Ukraine following their scheduled summit in Alaska on Friday. The meeting aims to seek a resolution to the ongoing conflict, which has drawn global attention and significantly strained U.S.-Russia relations.

Speaking at the Kennedy Center in Washington on Wednesday, Trump addressed both foreign policy and domestic issues. He pledged to make Washington “crime-free,” describing the capital as a potential model for public safety. “We are going to be essentially crime-free. This is going to be a beacon, and it’s going to serve as an example of what can be done,” he stated.

When pressed by reporters on potential measures against Russia, Trump declined to specify whether they would include additional tariffs or sanctions. “I don’t have to say. There will be very severe consequences,” he said.

Trump confirmed holding a virtual meeting earlier in the day with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. He described the call as “very good” and “very friendly,” rating it a “10.” He also announced plans to speak with Zelenskyy immediately after his meeting with Putin.

The president explained that it was not his decision to exclude Zelenskyy from Friday’s summit but indicated support for arranging a direct meeting involving the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia if necessary. “There’s a very good chance that we’re going to have a second meeting, which will be more productive than the first,” Trump said. However, he cautioned that a follow-up would only occur if the initial discussion yielded the outcomes the U.S. requires. “There may be no second meeting if I feel it’s not appropriate because I didn’t get the answers we have to have,” he added.

Domestically, Trump defended his federal takeover of the Washington, D.C., police force, criticizing Democrats for resisting his approach. He argued that the move, along with the deployment of National Guard troops, was necessary to address crime and homelessness in the city. “Instead of saying he’s a dictator, they should say we’re going to join him and make Washington safe,” he said.

The president’s actions come amid broader debates over governance and public safety in the nation’s capital, with his critics raising concerns over federal intervention in local law enforcement. The summit in Alaska, meanwhile, is viewed as a critical test of U.S.-Russia diplomacy, with potential implications for Ukraine’s future and the stability of the region.