U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Russia will face “very severe” economic consequences if his forthcoming meeting with President Vladimir Putin fails to yield an agreement. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on 15 Aug 2025 as he flew to Alaska for the summit, Trump emphasized, “I’m not doing this for my health… I’m doing this to save a lot of lives.” Trump did not outline specific measures but indicated the penalties would be economic in nature and substantial. One aide traveling with the president said the talks aim to secure a deal that would also involve Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, underscoring Washington’s push for progress on ending the conflict in Ukraine. The Alaska summit is set against a backdrop of already strained U.S.–Russia relations, marked by successive rounds of sanctions. Investors and diplomats will be watching for signs of either a breakthrough or, should negotiations falter, the imposition of yet tougher U.S. restrictions on Moscow.