Media: Putin risks EU sanctions by spurning Trump–Zelenskyy summit

European leaders are preparing to impose additional sanctions on Russia if Vladimir Putin declines to attend a trilateral summit with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump, according to officials familiar with the discussions, according to The Telegraph.

A senior government source briefed on White House talks said: “If Putin was to delay, prevaricate, or refuse to talk, that would provide another impetus for sanctions.”

Zelenskyy, speaking at a press conference on August 17, before departing for Washington, urged Western allies to step up punitive measures if the Kremlin refuses to engage: “Sanctions must be levied if Mr Putin refuses to attend the summit.”

Trump, meanwhile, signalled that the U.S. could play a military role in safeguarding a potential peace deal — but ruled out deploying ground forces. “We’re willing to help them with things, especially, probably talk about by air, because there’s nobody [who has the] kind of stuff we have,” he told Fox & Friends. “You have my assurance, and I’m president.”

The president also suggested that European powers could take on a heavier security role. “They want to have boots on the ground,” Trump said, referring to France, Germany and the UK. “They are going to front-load it.”

When pressed on possible territorial concessions in any settlement, Trump said, “Ukraine is going to get a lot of land,” without offering clarification.

Still, he voiced confidence that progress was possible, suggesting Putin may be more open to compromise than before. “I think Putin is tired of it,” Trump said.

By Aghakazim Guliyev