U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a firm warning ahead of his high-stakes summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, stating he will walk away from the talks if efforts to end the war in Ukraine stall.
Speaking to Fox News host Bret Baier aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “We’re going for a meeting with President Putin in Alaska. I think it’s going to work out very well, and if it doesn’t, I’m going to head back home real fast.” When asked if he was serious, Trump reaffirmed his position: “I would walk, yeah.”
The two leaders are scheduled to meet at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage — a former Cold War surveillance hub — for a working breakfast followed by a joint press conference.
In earlier remarks to reporters, Trump warned that Russia could face “very severe” new sanctions if Putin refuses to engage meaningfully in peace negotiations. He also pledged to suspend all U.S. business dealings with Russia until the conflict — now in its fourth year — comes to an end.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance voiced support for Trump’s tough stance, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Grateful for President Trump’s leadership today as he travels to Alaska to meet with President Putin of Russia. Praying for peace in the days ahead.”
The summit comes under intense global scrutiny, as both Trump and Putin face mounting pressure to bring an end to a war that has left Ukraine fractured and Russia diplomatically isolated.
.@POTUS: "We're going for a meeting with President Putin in Alaska, and I think it's going to work out very well — and if it doesn't, I'm going to head back home real fast."@BretBaier: "If it doesn't, you walk?"@POTUS: "I would walk." pic.twitter.com/kJVmRy8sKu
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 15, 2025
