Moscow: On Friday, January 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to former U.S. President Donald Trump as a "smart leader" and stated that he is ready to engage in discussions regarding the situation in Ukraine.
Speaking in an interview with state television, President Putin hinted that Trump might have prevented Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, though he did not elaborate further. While Putin did not disclose specific details about the time or location of potential talks, he said Russia is awaiting signals from Washington.
“We have always emphasized, and I want to reiterate, that we are ready for negotiations regarding Ukraine,” Putin stated.
Donald Trump, who has previously claimed during his election campaigns that he could resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict in a single day, recently urged Russia to come to the negotiating table after his return to the White House.
Commenting on Putin, Trump said, “He needs to make a deal. I believe failing to do so is devastating Russia. I think Russia is heading towards significant trouble.”
Trump also expressed his readiness for an “immediate” meeting with Putin but refrained from sharing any details about when or where such a meeting might take place.
While Trump has previously criticized Ukraine’s leadership, he recently remarked during an executive order signing at the White House that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking a resolution to end the conflict.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has warned that it must be included in any negotiations. Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, stated on Friday that any talks about Europe’s fate without European participation are unacceptable.
“Putin must either face reality or be brought to reality. In the modern world, such talks cannot happen,” Yermak emphasized.
The discussions come as the Kremlin signaled its desire to resume arms control negotiations with the United States “as soon as possible.” This announcement came a day after Trump expressed his ambition for global disarmament.
Arms control talks between the world’s two leading nuclear powers, the U.S. and Russia, stalled amid heightened tensions over the Ukraine conflict.
In 2023, relations between Washington and Moscow deteriorated further, prompting Russia to withdraw from the “New START” nuclear arms control treaty. Both nations have pledged to adhere to the treaty’s limits on weapons until 2026 but have yet to agree on a replacement. Negotiations have remained stalled for months.
