US President Donald Trump said there would be "serious consequences" if Russian President Vladimir Putin did not agree to move towards peace in Ukraine. He said the meeting in Alaska would pave the way for a quick follow-up meeting, with the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Although he did not disclose specific measures, Mr. Trump warned about the possibility of imposing sanctions if the talks did not bring results. In an online meeting ahead of the summit, with the participation of European leaders and Mr. Zelensky, the parties agreed on red lines to ensure Ukraine is not left out of the negotiation table.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Trump agreed that any territorial issues could only be negotiated by Ukraine, and supported the idea of ensuring security for Kiev after the conflict. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed the principle that the border cannot be changed by force and called for increased pressure if Russia does not make a concession.
Mr Zelensky warned his allies that Mr Putin was distracted by his desire to end the conflict, while increasing pressure across the front to create an advantage in any case. Russia has recently stepped up attacks in eastern Ukraine, a move believed to force Kiev to accept territorial cuts.
Europe and Ukraine are concerned that a territorial exchange deal could put Russia in control of nearly 20% of Ukraine's territory, encouraging Moscow to continue expanding. Russia has maintained Ukraine's request to withdraw from four acquired regions and abandon its plans to join NATO, which Kiev has denied.
The meeting in Alaska comes amid the growing diplomatic efforts as sides seek solutions to the conflict that has dragged on for more than three and a half years, causing widespread damage and forcing millions of people to flee their homes.
