Putin on Trump, Xi and NATO: key remarks at Valdai Club

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered wide-ranging comments on relations with the United States, China, and NATO during the plenary session of the 22nd annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi.

On Trump and U.S. relations

Putin described his personal relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump as pragmatic and straightforward. “We have our own kind of relationship. We know what to give each other as presents, and we treat this very calmly,” he said.

The Russian leader praised Trump’s direct style of communication, contrasting it with what he called “vague hints and ambiguities” from other political figures. “It is always better to clearly understand what your counterpart wants and is striving for,” Putin stressed.

He also revealed that his recent summit with Trump in Alaska focused exclusively on the Ukraine conflict. “We practically did not discuss any bilateral agenda issues… only the possibilities and ways of resolving the Ukrainian crisis. Overall, that is already a good thing,” Putin said, thanking Trump for organising the meeting and calling it a signal towards restoring Moscow–Washington ties.

On NATO’s role in Ukraine

Addressing the ongoing conflict, Putin accused NATO members of being directly engaged in hostilities against Russia. “All NATO countries are at war with us. They no longer even hide this. There are instructors, and they are really taking part in combat operations from Western countries,” he said.

He added that a special coordination centre had been established in Europe to oversee support for the Ukrainian armed forces, calling it “a serious challenge” to Russia, but one that the Russian army has “quickly adapted to.”

Putin voiced hope that Kyiv would eventually resume talks with Moscow. “I hope that this understanding will come to the leaders of the Kyiv regime, and that they will nevertheless find the strength to sit down at the negotiating table,” he said.

On relations with China

Turning to Moscow’s ties with Beijing, Putin called Chinese President Xi Jinping a personal friend. “I do indeed consider the Chairman of the PRC, Mr Xi Jinping, my friend — we have established very trusting, personal relations,” he noted.

Putin underlined that this level of trust has become a key factor in the strength of Russia–China relations.

By Vugar Khalilov