Putin Ready to Meet Trump to Discuss Ukraine Conflict, Praises U.S. President
Moscow, Russia — Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Friday his readiness to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to address the ongoing war in Ukraine, expressing optimism about the prospects for cooperation between the two leaders. Speaking during an interview with state TV journalist Pavel Zarubin, Putin praised Trump as “pragmatic” and “smart,” despite the U.S. president’s recent threats to impose new sanctions on Moscow unless it ends the nearly three-year war in Ukraine.
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“It’s certainly better that we meet and, based on current realities, discuss calmly all areas of interest to both the U.S. and Russia,” Putin said. He emphasized the importance of dialogue, adding, “We’re ready.”
The Russian leader reflected on his relationship with Trump, describing it as “businesslike, pragmatic, and even trusting.” Putin added, “I can’t help but agree that if his victory hadn’t been stolen in 2020, the crisis in Ukraine might not have emerged in 2022.”
Putin also pointed to shared economic concerns as a potential area for cooperation, arguing that extreme fluctuations in oil prices and U.S. sanctions harm both nations. “I have a hard time imagining decisions being made that would damage the American economy,” he said, highlighting the interdependent nature of global markets.
The comments come ahead of an anticipated meeting between the two leaders, with Trump, who was recently sworn in for his second term, telling reporters earlier this week that he expects to meet Putin “soon.” The meeting could signal a turning point in U.S.-Russia relations, with both sides facing mounting pressure to address critical issues like the war in Ukraine, strategic stability, and economic cooperation.
Observers note that the talks could not only influence the trajectory of bilateral relations but also impact broader global dynamics, especially as the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate.
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