Putin Signals Openness To Talks With Trump

Russian President Vladimir V. Putin said on Tuesday that he is “ready” for potential talks with President-elect Donald Trump, a statement that could pave the way for a high-profile meeting between the two leaders as the world watches closely. Speaking at his year-end news conference, Putin emphasized his willingness to engage in dialogue with the incoming U.S. administration, signaling a potential shift in U.S.-Russia relations after years of escalating tensions.

“You asked what we can offer, or what I can offer to the newly elected President Trump when we meet,” Putin responded to NBC’s Keir Simmons. “First of all, I don’t know when we will meet. Because he hasn’t said anything about it. I haven’t spoken to him at all in over four years. Of course, I am ready for this at any time, and I will be ready for a meeting if he wants it,” he said according to CNN, addressing the uncertainty and readiness for dialogue with Trump.

When questioned if Russia’s recent difficulties in the Middle East and Ukraine might weaken its position in negotiations, Putin countered, “You said that this conversation will take place in a situation when I am in some weakened state… And you, and those people who pay your salaries in the US, would very much like Russia to be in a weakened position.”

Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 27 may, 2024. Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Uzbekistan

“I adhere to a different point of view,” Putin continued. “I believe that Russia has become much stronger over the past two or three years. Why? Because we are becoming a truly sovereign country, we are already hardly dependent on anyone.”

Responding to a question about the progress of what Moscow calls the “special military operation” in Ukraine, Putin noted that the “situation is changing dramatically” as the conflict nears its third year. “Movement is going on along the entire front line, every day,” he elaborated. “And as I already said, we are not talking about advancing 100-200-300 meters. Our fighters are taking and returning territory in square kilometers. I want to emphasize – every day.”

Putin with President of the United States Donald Trump. June 2019

Putin refrained from providing a specific timeline for when Russia would regain full control of the region but assured that it would occur. “I cannot and do not want to name a specific date when they will push [the Ukrainian Armed Forces out of the Kursk region]. Our guys are fighting, there is a battle going on right now, and serious battles. It is unclear why, there was no military sense in the Ukrainian Armed Forces entering the Kursk region, or holding on there now as they are doing, throwing their best units there to be slaughtered. But nevertheless, it is happening.”

The relationship between Trump and Putin has been a source of considerable interest over the years, both during Trump’s presidency (2017–2021) and in the time since. “President Putin said that he wants to meet with me as soon as possible,” Trump said during his speech at Turning Point’s AmericaFest convention on Sunday. “So we have to wait for this, but we have to end that war. That war is horrible, horrible.”

“The number of soldiers being killed, it’s a flat plane, and the bullets are going and there’s powerful bullets, powerful guns, and the only thing that’s going to stop them is a human body.”

YOURS FREE: Claim Your ‘Trump Victory’ Coin NOW!