Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he hopes to broker a second meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, potentially involving himself, if his highly anticipated summit with Putin in Alaska on Friday yields constructive outcomes.
Speaking during an event at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Trump expressed cautious optimism about the upcoming meeting, while also issuing a stern warning to the Kremlin.
“If Friday’s meeting with President Putin goes OK, I’d like to immediately arrange a second meeting one that includes President Zelensky,” Trump told reporters. “I believe that second meeting would be far more productive, because the first is really about figuring out where we are.”
He emphasized that the follow-up summit could happen “almost immediately,” adding, “I’d be happy to be there if they’d like to have me.”
A Diplomatic Pivot — Or a Strategic Gamble?
Trump’s comments followed a virtual consultation earlier in the day with Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and other European leaders aimed at aligning Western positions ahead of the Alaska summit. The talks come amid mounting international pressure to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine and begin negotiations on a sustainable peace.
During that virtual meeting, Zelensky reiterated his desire to be directly involved in any peace talks, warning against side deals between global powers that exclude Kyiv. He also called for an “immediate ceasefire” as the top priority in Alaska.
Trump, for his part, denied that excluding Zelensky from the initial meeting was a deliberate choice. “No, just the opposite,” he said, suggesting the trilateral format might be the next logical step depending on how Friday’s talks unfold.
A Mix of Optimism and Threats
Despite the diplomatic overture, Trump was unequivocal in warning Russia of serious repercussions if Putin fails to agree to end the war.
“There will be very severe consequences,” he declared during the Kennedy Center event. When pressed for specifics whether that meant new sanctions or trade tariffs Trump remained vague: “I don’t have to say, but there will be consequences.”
Trump had previously set a deadline now passed for Putin to enter negotiations or face new punitive measures. While no additional sanctions were imposed at that time, he did hint at broader economic tools, including secondary sanctions on countries that continue to purchase Russian energy.
India, the second-largest buyer of Russian oil, has faced new tariffs under this pressure, though Trump notably held back from applying the same to China, Moscow’s biggest energy customer.
Zelensky Urges Vigilance
Meanwhile, in Berlin, President Zelensky continued his European tour, warning allies that any progress made with Russia must be viewed with skepticism.
“Putin deceives,” Zelensky said. “He’s trying to create the illusion of peace while intensifying attacks across the Ukrainian front.”
He reiterated that Ukraine must not be a passive observer in its own fate, underscoring Kyiv’s demand to be included in all future discussions. “Any meaningful peace must be negotiated with Ukraine, not over our heads,” he said.
What’s at Stake in Alaska?
Friday’s Trump-Putin meeting the first between the two leaders since Trump returned to the presidency is being closely watched by allies and adversaries alike. While expectations are mixed, Trump’s pivot toward a more multilateral approach could reshape the dynamics of the war and signal a new chapter in U.S.-Russia-Ukraine relations.
As NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte put it earlier in the day, “The ball is now in Putin’s court.”
Whether that ball rolls toward peace or further conflict may well hinge on what happens in Alaska — and what follows immediately after.
