Donald Trump issued a fresh warning saying “you’ll see things happen” if the US is unhappy with Vladimir Putin’s decisions over the war in Ukraine.
The US president said he was awaiting a decision from Putin, as he spoke of the ongoing loss of lives in the region due to the conflict.
Putin had earlier said he would be prepared to meet Volodymyr Zelensky in Moscow following weeks of apparent stalling on peace talks since the summit in Alaska.
“I have no message to president Putin,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
“He knows where I stand and he’ll make a decision one way or another. Whatever his decision is, we’ll either be happy about it or unhappy about it and if we’re unhappy about it, you’ll see things happen,” the US president said.
His remarks came shortly after Putin indicated Russia will continue with its goals in Ukraine invasion by military means if Moscow’s peace deal is not agreed upon.
Meanwhile, some 30 leaders from Europe, Turkey, Australia and Canada are set to hold talks today for security guarantees to Kyiv.
Trump issues fresh warning to Putin
Donald Trump warned “you’ll see things happen” if the US is unhappy with Vladimir Putin’s decisions over the war in Ukraine.
Speaking alongside Polish president Karol Nawrocki on Wednesday, the US president said he was awaiting a decision from Putin, as he spoke of the ongoing loss of lives in the region due to the conflict.
Putin had earlier said he would be prepared to meet Volodymyr Zelensky in Moscow following weeks of apparent stalling on peace talks since the summit in Alaska.
“I have no message to President Putin,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
“He knows where I stand and he’ll make a decision one way or another. Whatever his decision is, we’ll either be happy about it or unhappy about it and if we’re unhappy about it, you’ll see things happen,” he said.
Putin said on Wednesday he believed “that if common sense prevails, it is possible to agree on an acceptable option for ending the conflict,” adding that Mr Trump has “a sincere desire” to find a settlement.
“It seems to me that there is a certain light at the end of the tunnel,” Putin said at a news conference in Beijing, wrapping up a four-day visit to China. “Let’s see how the situation develops. If not, then we will have to achieve our goal by military means.”
Recap: Trump promises to keep backing Poland with troops
Donald Trump on Wednesday said the US could increase its troop presence in Poland and pledged to secure the country’s defences during a White House meeting with its conservative nationalist president, Karol Nawrocki.
Mr Trump said the US had a “tremendous relationship” with Poland. Asked whether he planned to keep American troops in Poland, Trump said yes. “We’ll put more there if they want,” he said.
The US military presence on Nato’s eastern flank, including Poland, remains one of the central issues for Warsaw, which is seeking assurances of continued support in the midst of Russia’s war with Ukraine.
Ukraine to roll out sweeteners for soldiers over 24
Ukraine may roll out benefits previously offered only to new recruits aged 18-24 to older age groups, President Zelensky’s Deputy Chief of Staff Pavlo Palisa said, according to the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine introduced updated military contracts, also known as the “18-24” contracts, in early 2025. These contracts target volunteers aged 18 to 24 who are not yet subject to conscription.
They offered those who commit to a one-year service contract a one-million-hryvnia (£18,000) bonus, paid in three instalments.
Analysis: Putin rehabilitation is almost complete
What the Kremlin leader cares about is “Making Russia Great Again”, writes Owen Matthews:
We’ll get strong security guarantees thanks to France, Zelensky says
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky says he believes his efforts with France will deliver strong security guarantees.
Mr Zelensky and French leader Emmanuel Macron gave each other warm hugs when they met for talks in Paris.
China summit with Putin may signal geopolitical shift
Pictures: Ukrainians shelter inside a metro station as Russian strike drones fly over Kyiv
Ukrainian children forced to learn underground as new year starts in the shadow of Russian assaults
Pupils across Ukraine returned to school on Monday, embarking on a new academic year under the shadow of Russia’s ongoing invasion, with many lessons now taking place underground.
On the ground: North Korea sending another 6,000 troops to Russia
ICYMI: China trialling visa-free travel for Russians: Putin adviser
China will extend visa-free travel to ordinary passport holders from Russia on a trial basis, its foreign ministry said on Tuesday.
The visa exemption will be for a period of a year from September 15, with entry to China of no more than 30 days.
