Putin Affirms Ukraine’s Role in Peace Talks, Stresses US-Russia Trust
MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Wednesday that Ukraine would not be sidelined from negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. However, he emphasized that progress would hinge on fostering greater trust between Moscow and Washington.
Speaking a day after Russia and the United States held initial discussions on ending the three-year war, Putin noted that arranging a summit with US President Donald Trump would require time. He dismissed the idea of a meeting for mere formality, asserting that it should serve a concrete purpose.
Putin commended the recent discussions in Saudi Arabia, where Russian and US officials agreed to establish dedicated negotiation teams for Ukraine and explored ways to improve bilateral relations. The Kremlin previously described relations under former US President Joe Biden as being at an all-time low.
“We have taken an initial step towards resuming cooperation in multiple areas of mutual interest,” Putin said in a televised statement. He highlighted topics such as Middle Eastern affairs, global energy stability, and space exploration as key areas of discussion.
The Russian leader underscored that resolving the Ukraine crisis would be impossible without strengthening diplomatic trust between Moscow and Washington.
While Ukraine and European governments were excluded from the Saudi talks, raising concerns that their security interests might be overlooked, Putin dismissed such fears. He maintained that Russia had always been open to discussions with European nations and Kyiv, claiming that it was they who had refused previous engagements.
“If they are willing, these negotiations can certainly take place. We remain ready to return to the table,” Putin asserted. “Ukraine is not being excluded, so there is no reason for an exaggerated reaction to the US-Russia talks.”
Since Trump’s victory in the November elections, Putin has repeatedly expressed admiration for him. He lauded Trump’s measured response to what he described as “disrespectful” actions by some US allies and reiterated his willingness to meet with the American leader.
“I would be happy to sit down with Donald,” Putin remarked.
