Putin opens up to Trump and dialogue on Ukraine: ‘He is a courageous man’

The Russian president praises the US leader for his commitment to the conflict and relaunches negotiations with Kiev, but harshly criticises NATO

Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly praised US President Donald Trump, calling him ‘a brave man’ and acknowledging his ‘sincere commitment to resolving the conflict in Ukraine’. During a press conference, the Kremlin leader also expressed his willingness to meet Trump in person, hoping for a face-to-face discussion: ‘We will be happy to prepare a meeting, I am always willing to meet him,’ he said.

Putin confirmed that Moscow is ready for a new round of peace talks with Kiev in Istanbul, arguing that channels between the two countries remain open. ‘Our negotiators and those from Ukraine are in constant contact, they talk on the phone all the time,’ he explained, while admitting that the proposals on the table from Moscow and Kiev are ‘diametrically opposed’.

In his speech, the Russian president then levelled harsh criticism at NATO, in particular at the intention of some member countries of the Alliance to raise military spending to 5% of GDP. According to Putin, this choice would demonstrate ‘the growing aggression of the West.’

‘Against the backdrop of rhetoric about Russia’s aggression, the West justifies its arms race. But it’s the opposite. We already spend 6.3% of our GDP on defence, which is a lot. Let them arm themselves,’ commented the Kremlin leader, turning the accusations around and arguing that the real threat to global stability comes from Western policies.

Putin’s words come at a delicate moment, with the White House reiterating its willingness to explore diplomatic solutions, while on the ground the conflict has been going on for over two years, with no clear signs of an imminent truce.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)