Russian president open to meeting Trump to discuss key issues, including Ukraine, energy prices

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his willingness to meet with US President Donald Trump for a "calm" discussion on critical matters, including energy prices and Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.

Speaking during an interview on the domestic TV channel, Putin said that such a meeting would be beneficial given the current global circumstances, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

“It would be better for us to meet, based on the realities of today, to talk calmly on all those areas that are of interest to both the United States and Russia,” Putin remarked. "We are ready. But, I repeat, this primarily, of course, depends on the decisions and choices of the current American administration."

The prospect of direct talks comes as Trump, earlier this week, threatened to impose massive tariffs and sanctions on Russia if the country does not agree to a deal to end the war in Ukraine. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed Trump’s remarks, downplaying the potential impact of the threats.

In contrast, Ukrainian officials have expressed skepticism about any discussions that exclude their direct involvement.

"Putin is trying to promote the idea of negotiations with the US. But he wants to agree on the fate of Europe — without Europe. And he wants to talk about Ukraine — without Ukraine,” said Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian President’s Office, in a statement.

Putin’s interview also included remarks about Trump’s character, describing the former president as “smart” and “pragmatic.” He went on to note that he did not expect Trump to take actions that would harm the US economy.

“I’ve always had a businesslike, pragmatic and even trusting relationship with the current president,” Putin stated, adding that he believed the crisis in Ukraine might have been avoided had Trump won the 2020 election.

“And I can’t help but agree that if his victory hadn’t been stolen in 2020, the crisis in Ukraine might not have emerged in 2022,” he said, referring to the full-scale invasion he himself ordered.

Since his inauguration on January 20, Trump has maintained a tough stance toward Russia, claiming that Putin is “destroying Russia” and urging the Kremlin leader to make a deal “ASAP” to end the conflict.

By Vafa Guliyeva