The Digest:
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Russia ahead of his first direct meeting with President Vladimir Putin since returning to office. The statements serve to engage with the high-stakes tension of the upcoming talks, exploring the potential consequences if an agreement to end the war in Ukraine is not reached.
Key Points:
- US President Donald Trump has promised "very severe consequences" for Russia.
- This is if President Putin does not agree to end the war in Ukraine.
- The two leaders are scheduled to meet on Friday for direct talks.
- Trump declined to clarify what the "severe consequences" would entail.
- He had previously threatened to impose new sanctions on Moscow.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will not be joining the meeting.
- A previously set deadline for new sanctions on Russia passed without action.
