'Would be disastrous': Trump warns Russia against blocking Ukraine ceasefire
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has warned Russia that it could face heavy financial consequences if it doesn't accept the 30-day ceasefire brokered during Kyiv and Washington negotiations in Saudi Arabia.
"In a financial sense, yeah, we could do things very bad for Russia, would be devastating for Russia," Trump said on Wednesday.
Trump confirmed US negotiators are heading to Russia for talks.
Diplomatic efforts
Ceasefire proposal backed by US
"People are going to Russia right now as we speak. And hopefully we can get a ceasefire from Russia," he told reporters during an Oval Office meeting with Irish PM Micheal Martin.
Ukraine earlier accepted a 30-day US-backed ceasefire proposal after discussions with American officials in Saudi Arabia.
Following the meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said "if the Russians agree, the ceasefire will work at that very moment."
Negotiation details
US envoy to negotiate in Moscow
So what will be the next move in this diplomatic saga? That depends on Russia's response, said Trump.
He said he has been getting some positive signals, but warned it was serious, and could potentially lead to World War 3.
"It's up to Russia now," Trump said. "I've gotten some positive messages, but a positive message means nothing."
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed special envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Moscow later this week for negotiations.
Global implications
'This is a very serious situation'
When asked if Russia will accept the ceasefire unconditionally during the upcoming meeting, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, "We're going to say that Ukraine is prepared to stop all battlefield activity and begin the immediate process of negotiating... and we'll see what their response is."
"If their response is yes, then we know we've made real progress and there's a real chance of peace. If their response is no, it'll be highly unfortunate."