President Donald Trump outlined his strategy for Friday’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, telling the Brian Kilmeade Show on Fox Radio that the negotiations are “like chess” and could pave the way for a second, critical meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“This Meeting Sets Up the Second Meeting”
Speaking Thursday with host Brian Kilmeade, Trump estimated a 25% chance that the Alaska summit could fail outright. Still, he stressed the goal is to use it as a stepping stone for direct Putin–Zelenskyy talks.
“This meeting sets up the second meeting,” Trump said, calling the follow-up “extremely important” and suggesting that negotiations could involve territorial discussions — something Zelenskyy has strongly opposed.
Trump said he expects to know quickly on Friday whether Putin is serious about making a deal. “I believe now he’s convinced that he’s going to make a deal. I think he’s going to. And we’re going to find out – I’m going to know very quickly.”
Warning of “Very Severe Consequences”
If Putin refuses to advance peace talks, Trump reaffirmed his readiness to implement a new suite of sanctions. “There will be consequences… very severe consequences,” he told reporters Wednesday.
Putin, for his part, said Thursday the U.S. is making “energetic and sincere efforts” to end hostilities and reach agreements acceptable to all sides.
Zelenskyy: “No Sign” Russia Will End the War
Zelenskyy struck a more cautious tone Wednesday, warning that he sees “no sign” Russia is preparing to end the conflict. On X, he wrote: “Our coordinated efforts and joint actions – of Ukraine, the United States, Europe, and all countries that seek peace – can definitely compel Russia to make peace.”
The Alaska meeting marks the first in-person talks between a U.S. president and Putin since 2021 and is viewed by the Trump administration as a high-stakes opportunity to broker a cease-fire in the 41-month-old war.
Original source: https://www.briankilmeade.com/radio
