MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted on Wednesday that Ukraine would not be excluded from the negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. However, the success of these negotiations hinges on the necessity of building trust between Moscow and Washington. Putin’s comments came in the wake of the first talks between Russia and the United States regarding the three-year-long conflict, underscoring that the establishment of a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, a shared desire of both leaders, would require time and sincere efforts, rather than a mere ceremonial meeting over tea.
Following the outcomes of the recent meeting in Saudi Arabia, where Russia and the U.S. agreed to establish negotiating teams to address the Ukrainian issue and explored avenues to reset their bilateral relations, Putin lauded the progress made. The Kremlin referred to the relations between the two countries during the tenure of Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, as being “below zero.” Putin emphasized the significance of enhancing the level of trust between Russia and the United States, stating that this trust forms the foundation for addressing numerous global issues, including the crisis in Ukraine.
While Ukraine and European governments were not formally involved in the talks in Riyadh, concerns were raised about the potential for Russia and the U.S. to formulate a deal that neglects their critical security interests. Putin clarified that Russia had not shunned discussions with European countries or Kyiv; rather, it was the other parties who had refrained from engaging in dialogue with Moscow.
“NO ONE IS EXCLUDING UKRAINE,” PUTIN AFFIRMS
“If they wish, they are most welcome to engage in negotiations. We are prepared to resume discussions at the table,” Putin remarked. He stressed that Ukraine was not being sidelined from the talks, thereby dismissing the need for a “hysterical” reaction to the U.S.-Russia discussions.
Expressing admiration for Trump’s composure in the face of what he described as “boorish” behavior from American allies, Putin expressed his willingness to meet with the U.S. President. However, he cautioned that a meeting between the two leaders should be more than a casual exchange but should involve thorough preparation by their respective teams to address crucial issues, particularly the Ukrainian conflict, in a manner that is mutually acceptable.
Putin acknowledged the complexity of the task ahead, noting the evolution in Trump’s stance on resolving the Ukraine crisis. Despite Trump’s pre-election promises to swiftly end the conflict, Putin highlighted that the U.S. President now acknowledges the need for a more extended timeframe, reflecting a recalibration of his approach based on new information.
Regarding energy prices, Putin revealed that he, Trump, and the Saudi king had previously engaged in trilateral discussions and stressed the importance of convening a similar dialogue to address pertinent energy-related matters.
(Reporting by Marina Bobrova, Maxim Rodionov, and Darya Korsunskaya; writing by Mark Trevelyan; editing
