Putin Open to Meeting Trump Amid Ukraine War and Energy Disputes
MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed openness to meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss key global issues, including energy prices and the war in Ukraine.
“It would be better for us to meet, based on today’s realities, to talk calmly on all those areas that are of interest to both the United States and Russia,” Putin said during an interview with Russian state broadcaster Russia 24. However, he noted that a meeting would depend on the decisions of the current U.S. administration.
Trump’s Warning to Russia
Putin’s remarks follow Trump’s threat on Wednesday to impose massive tariffs and sanctions on Russia if it fails to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin, however, dismissed Trump’s warning, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov brushing off the remarks.
Meanwhile, Ukraine insists that any potential peace deal must secure Kyiv’s interests, not just serve as a bilateral agreement between Washington and Moscow.
“Putin is trying to promote the idea of negotiations with the U.S., but he wants to decide the fate of Europe without Europe, and the fate of Ukraine without Ukraine,” said Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Putin’s View on Trump
During the interview, Putin described Trump as “smart” and “pragmatic”, saying he does not expect the U.S. president to make decisions that would harm the American economy.
“I’ve always had a businesslike, pragmatic, and even trusting relationship with the current president,” Putin said. He also repeated the false claim that Trump’s 2020 election victory was “stolen”, suggesting that had Trump remained in office, the Ukraine war might not have happened.
Trump’s Stance on Russia
Since taking office Monday, Trump has maintained a firm stance toward Russia, warning that Putin is “destroying Russia” and should strike a deal quickly to end the war.
With tensions high, a potential Trump-Putin meeting could significantly impact U.S.-Russia relations, global energy markets, and the future of Ukraine.
