4 weeks ago
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(NewsNation) — President Donald Trump is ramping up unit connected Russian President Vladimir Putin, informing determination volition beryllium “very terrible consequences” if a ceasefire woody successful Ukraine isn't reached aft their Friday acme successful Alaska.
However, helium did not specify what those consequences mightiness be.
Trump's informing follows a virtual gathering Wednesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and respective European leaders. Trump rated the telephone a “10," calling it “very, precise friendly” and describing it arsenic mentation for the Alaska summit.
Zelenskyy: Putin does not want peace
Zelenskyy, who has agelong doubted Russia's intentions, said Wednesday helium warned Trump and European allies that "Putin decidedly does not privation peace."
"He wants the concern of our country," Zelenskyy continued. "We each truly recognize that. Putin volition not beryllium capable to deceive anyone. We request further unit for peace. Not lone American, but besides European sanctions."
For Ukraine and Europe, the stakes are precocious for Friday's summit, though some volition beryllium excluded from the room. Trump said his extremity is to look Putin successful the oculus and measure him directly.
Trump eyes meeting with Putin, Zelenskyy
If the acme goes well, Trump said helium hopes to put different gathering with some Putin and Zelenskyy.
"We'll person a speedy 2nd gathering betwixt President Putin and President Zelenskyy and myself, if they'd similar to person maine there," Trump said. "Certain large things tin beryllium gained successful the archetypal meeting. It's going to beryllium a precise important meeting, but it's mounting the array for the 2nd meeting."
Ukraine’s subject has warned Russia is preparing a large-scale violative successful the Donetsk region, perchance to summation leverage earlier negotiations. Ukrainian quality officials suggested the battle could statesman soon aft the summit.
