Trump plans quick meeting with Russia’s Putin after taking office

US President-elect Donald Trump stated that he intends to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin "very quickly" after he takes office next week.

While Trump did not specify a timeline or location for the meeting, it would mark the first face-to-face encounter between the leaders of the two countries since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

When asked about his strategy to end the ongoing conflict, he responded, "Well, there's only one strategy and it's up to Putin and I can't imagine he's too thrilled about the way it's gone because it hasn't gone exactly well for him either.

And I know he wants to meet and I'm going to meet very quickly. I would've done it sooner but...you have to get into the office. For some of the things, you do have to be there."

Trump's incoming national security adviser, US Congressman Mike Waltz, echoed the sentiment during an interview with ABC, describing the war as a World War One-style "meat grinder of people and resources" with "World War Three consequences." Waltz, a Trump loyalist and former National Guard colonel, emphasized the need for a diplomatic resolution, stating, "Everybody knows that this has to end somehow diplomatically."

Waltz also acknowledged the complexity of the situation, saying, "I just don't think it's realistic to say we're going to expel every Russian from every inch of Ukrainian soil, even Crimea. President Trump has acknowledged that reality, and I think it’s been a huge step forward that the entire world is acknowledging that reality. Now let's move forward."

On the topic of a potential call between Trump and Putin, Waltz noted, "I do expect a call for, at least in the coming days and weeks. So, that would be a step and we'll take it from there."

Trump and Putin have met five times previously, with their most notable meeting taking place on July 16, 2018, in Helsinki, where the two leaders conversed for over two hours, accompanied only by interpreters.

By Vafa Guliyeva