Trump confident, says “something is going to come” from Putin meeting

US President Donald Trump, en route to Alaska for a high-stakes summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, said the two leaders “get along well and respect each other,” speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One.

Trump indicated optimism about the talks, telling reporters that “something is going to come” from the meeting in Anchorage.

He emphasised that resolving the war in Ukraine is his top priority before pursuing any business or economic agreements, noting that while Putin “wants a piece” of the US economy and is bringing Russian businesspeople, “we're not doing business until we get the war settled.”

On security guarantees for Ukraine, Trump suggested US involvement “along with Europe and other countries,” but clarified that this would not include NATO membership, stating, “certain things that are not gonna happen. But yeah, along with Europe, there's the possibility of that.”

Regarding Russia’s ongoing attacks against Ukraine, Trump said Putin believes they “give him strength,” but added, “I think it hurts him. I think they're trying to negotiate, in [Putin's] mind it helps him make a better deal. But it actually hurts him... but I'll be talking to him about it later.”

Trump also addressed the possibility of territorial swaps, saying, “Territorial swaps will be discussed, but I've got to let Ukraine make that decision. I think they'll make a proper decision. But I'm not here to negotiate for Ukraine, I'm here to get him at the table.” He added, “Vladimir Putin wanted to take all of Ukraine. If I wasn't president, he would right now be taking all of Ukraine, but he's not gonna do it.”

When asked about his warning of “severe consequences” for Putin if he did not pursue peace, Trump clarified, “Economically severe, yes, it will be very severe. I'm not doing this for my health. I'd like to focus on our country, but I'm doing this to save a lot of lives, yes, very severe.”

By Tamilla Hasanova