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Trump made clear he’s willing to put heavy economic pressure on Putin if the peace process stalls. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he issued a pointed warning to the Russian leader: “very severe” economic consequences await if talks break down.
“We get along. There’s a good respect level on both sides, and I think, you know, something’s going to come of it,” Trump told the press. “I noticed he’s bringing a lot of business people from Russia. And that’s good. I like that. Cause they wanna do business, but they’re not doing business until we get the war settled.”
He was blunt about his mission. “The war has got to stop and the killing’s got to stop.”
Security Guarantees and Business Ties
One reporter asked about possible U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine outside of NATO. Trump didn’t shut the door. “But yeah, along with Europe, there’s a possibility,” he said, hinting that such issues could come up if progress is made.
The president also suggested the Russian delegation’s large business presence is no accident. He argued that under his economic leadership, Russia is more willing to negotiate than under Biden’s policies. “He wouldn’t have been interested a year ago with the Biden economy, but he is interested… because we’re doing… we have hundreds of factories all over the country… they want to beat the towers because of the open air.”
No Negotiating for Ukraine
When pressed on whether territorial swaps were on the table, Trump kept the responsibility on Kyiv. “They’ll be discussed, but I’ve gotta let Ukraine make that decision. And I think they’ll make a proper decision. But I’m not here to negotiate for Ukraine. I’m here to get them at a table.”
He then gave a stark assessment of what might have happened without him in office: “Vladimir Putin wanted to take all of Ukraine. If I wasn’t president, he would right now be taking all of Ukraine. But he’s not going to do it.”
A Warning to Putin
Trump closed with a clear message — if Putin refuses to deal, the penalties will be swift and crushing. “Economically severe. Yes. It will be very severe. I’m not doing this for my health, okay? I don’t need it. I’d like to focus on our country, but I’m doing this to save a lot of lives.”
The Alaska summit will determine whether this show of diplomacy ends in a breakthrough — or a showdown. One thing is certain: Trump is entering the talks both with a smile for the cameras and a hammer ready behind the scenes.
