US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that if Russian leader Vladimir Putin does not agree to end the war in Ukraine after the two leaders' summit in Alaska on Friday, there will be very serious consequences for Russia. The White House chief did not specify the consequences, the AP reports. He told reporters that if the meeting with his Russian counterpart goes well, he would like to hold another one soon, which would also include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
He described today's video conference with European politicians, including Zelensky, as very good."We had a very good conversation. He was on the line. President Zelensky was on the line. I would rate it a ten, very friendly," Trump said.
Putin hints at where he could meet Trump, is clear about Zelensky's participation
US, Russia, Ukraine Summit
The administration of US President Donald Trump is looking for a location for a trilateral summit between Russia, Ukraine and the United States, which could take place as early as the end of next week, CBS News reported on Tuesday, citing two anonymous sources familiar with the negotiations.
US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he would also call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders after his meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.
"The next meeting will be between Zelensky and Putin, or between Zelensky, Putin and me. I will be there if they need me," he clarified.
NBC News reported on Sunday that the White House is considering inviting Zelensky to the August 15 meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska, citing an unnamed senior US official and three other people familiar with the preparations for the talks.
"The (US) president is open to a three-way meeting with both leaders. However, the White House is now focused on planning the bilateral meeting that President Putin has requested," said an anonymous White House official.
NBC News, citing its sources, recalls that even if Zelenskyy had arrived for the talks in Alaska, it is unclear whether he would have ended up in the same room with Putin.
