Trump Warns He Could Walk Out of High-Stakes Alaska Summit With Putin Over Ukraine War

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a firm warning ahead of his much-anticipated summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, declaring that he will walk out immediately if negotiations to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war collapse.

Speaking aboard Air Force One in an interview with Fox News host Bret Baier, 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 pressed on whether he was serious, Trump doubled down: “I would walk, yeah.”

The summit, scheduled to take place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage — a former Cold War surveillance hub — will begin with a closed-door working breakfast, followed by a joint press conference.

Trump Threatens Tougher Sanctions

Ahead of the meeting, Trump warned that Russia faces “very severe” sanctions if Putin fails to engage meaningfully in peace talks. He further vowed that the United States would suspend all business dealings with Russia until the war — now entering its fourth year — comes to an end.

U.S. Leadership Voices Support

U.S. Vice President JD Vance voiced support for Trump’s stance, writing 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.”

Global Stakes Remain High

The summit comes at a critical moment, with international pressure mounting on both leaders to find a pathway to peace. The war has left Ukraine deeply fractured and Russia increasingly isolated on the world stage, making this Alaska summit one of the most closely watched diplomatic engagements of the year.