Trump prepares for Putin summit, warns of severe consequences

(NBC)- As President Trump prepares for tomorrow’s high-stakes summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukraine and its allies are pushing to ensure Ukrainian interests are central to any discussions.

On Wednesday, Trump held a virtual meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. “President Zelenskyy was on the call. I would rate it at 10, very, very friendly,” Trump said.

Zelenskyy was not invited to meet Putin at the U.S. military base in Alaska, but Trump says he expects a follow-up summit that would include the Ukrainian leader. “I would like to do it almost immediately,” he added.

European officials, including French President Emmanuel Macron, confirm that Trump is entering the meeting aiming to secure a ceasefire, but he does not plan to discuss any Ukrainian territorial concessions without Ukraine present — a key demand from Zelenskyy and European allies.

Trump also issued a stark warning to Putin: “There will be very severe consequences” if Russia does not agree to end the war.

Russia has stepped up attacks in recent days, which Ukraine says is an attempt to strengthen Moscow’s position before the summit. Zelenskyy told Trump that Putin is “bluffing” and still aims to occupy all of Ukraine.