On August 14, PANews reported, according to AXIOS, that ahead of a meeting with Russian President Putin, U.S. President Trump is raising the stakes. This is not only about the Ukraine conflict but also about his own credibility. Three individuals who participated in discussions about the Trump summit assert that he is not bluffing; this is no longer the 'exploratory meeting' Trump previously described. He privately told the Ukrainian president and NATO leaders that his goal is a ceasefire, and then publicly threatened Putin that if he does not agree to stop fighting, there will be 'very serious consequences.' 'This is Trump's most serious and direct statement ever. He wants to show the world this,' said a senior U.S. official. 'Now, the responsibility lies with Putin: agree to a ceasefire or demonstrate real action, otherwise face serious consequences,' the official continued, 'Putin must show very positive actions.' Another U.S. official insisted that Putin 'proactively reached out to Trump' and then requested this meeting, now he must deliver on his promise. But if the meeting fails and there are no severe consequences, Trump's threats will appear even more hollow in the future.