President Donald Trump expressed the importance of his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the need for tangible outcomes. Speaking aboard Air Force One on his way to Alaska, Trump warned of potential consequences if Putin does not engage sincerely in discussions aimed at achieving peace. “Yes, it will be very severe,” he stated regarding the possible repercussions. “I don’t need it. I’d like to focus on our country, but I’m doing this to save a lot of lives.”
During the conversation, Trump made it clear that Ukraine will ultimately determine its own future but expects its situation to be a topic of discussion. “I’ve got to let Ukraine make that decision, and I think they’ll make a proper decision. But I’m not here to negotiate for Ukraine. I’m here to get them at a table,” he explained. He highlighted concerns about Putin’s ambitions, suggesting, “If I wasn’t president, he would, right now, be taking all of Ukraine, but he’s not going to do it.” Security guarantees may be discussed, although Trump specified that they would not take the form of NATO involvement.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted Trump’s anticipation of a swift assessment during the meeting with Putin, hoping for a sense of whether peace is achievable. Lowering expectations for an immediate breakthrough, Trump acknowledged that this meeting is just the first step. “I think it’s going to be a good meeting, but the more important meeting will be the second meeting,” he remarked, referring to plans for an eventual trilateral session involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and possibly European leaders.
Zelenskyy, despite not being present in the initial talks, emphasized his expectations for the meeting. He expressed the desire for it to forge a “real path toward a just peace” and called for necessary steps from Russia to move toward resolving the conflict. He stated, “We are counting on America. We are ready, as always, to work as productively as possible.”
Trump’s earlier remarks on Truth Social set the tone for the meeting, noting the “HIGH STAKES” involved. Furthermore, Putin acknowledged what he termed America’s “energetic and sincere efforts” to address the crisis, remarking on the potential for long-term peace agreements.
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