Trump warns Russia will face severe consequences if Putin does not end his war against Ukraine.

The lead starts right now.

Just days before his face-to-face with Vladimir Putin, President Trump is getting an earful today from European leaders,

including the Ukrainian leader himself,

as Russia makes more territorial gains on his country.

And allies fret the summit might only help the Russian dictator.

Plus, President Trump with a surprise announcement about the upcoming Kennedy Center honors.

A big evening, I've been asked to hold. upcoming Kennedy Center honors.

A big evening. I've been asked to host.

Asked by whom precisely?

Well, we'll discuss.

Plus how else he's shaking up the event honoring some of the biggest names in entertainment.

And expensive gifts, unbelievable job offers, we are all constantly bombarded by these texts trying to con us out of our hard-earned

money.

What one journalist uncovered when he clicked the link and took up a scammer on his offer.

Welcome to the lead. I'm Jake Tapper.

We start with our world lead.

As President Trump says, if all goes well at his Alaska summit with Russia President Vladimir Putin on Friday,

Mr. Trump would like to immediately arrange a follow-up with one additional attendee.

We'll have a quick second meeting between President Putin and President Zelensky and myself if they'd like to have me there.

This rather optimistic projection followed a virtual meeting that President Trump held today

with Zelensky and the leaders of Germany, the UK, and France.

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