Trump warns Putin of ‘severe’ economic hit if Alaska summit fails to end Ukraine war

Trump made it clear that if Putin refuses to work toward peace, Moscow will face punishing economic measures.

US President Donald Trump has said his push to end the Ukraine war, including his face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, is driven purely by the goal of saving lives, not personal gain.

“I’m not doing this for my health. OK, I don’t need it,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Anchorage. “I’d like to focus on our country, but I’m doing this to save a lot of lives.”

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#WATCH | US President Donald Trump says, "Yes, Russian President Vladimir Putin will face severe economic consequences if he is not interested. I am not doing this for my health. I don't need it. I would like to focus on our country. But I am doing this to save a lot of lives"… pic.twitter.com/c9kxp7j4t6

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2025

Warning of ‘very severe’ consequences for Russia

Trump made it clear that if Putin refuses to work toward peace, Moscow will face punishing economic measures.

“Yes, it will be very severe,” he said when asked about potential new sanctions and other pressure tactics.

The Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska is expected to focus on possible ceasefire terms, prisoner exchanges, and long-term security guarantees.