President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin talk during the family photo session at the APEC Summit in Danang, Vietnam, on Saturday.
MOSCOW, Russia — In a surprising turn of events, Russian President Vladimir Putin has commended former U.S. President Donald Trump for “doing everything” possible to enhance relations between Moscow and Washington. This praise comes in the wake of Trump’s recent statements regarding productive discussions with Putin and his appeal to save surrounded Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region.
During a meeting with his security officials, Putin acknowledged the renewed focus on improving ties with the United States under Trump’s leadership. “We know that the new administration headed by President Trump is doing everything to restore at least something of what was basically destroyed by the previous U.S. administration,” he stated, signaling a potential thaw in relations that have been strained for years.
Trump’s comments about the situation in Ukraine have drawn attention, particularly his assertion that thousands of Ukrainian soldiers are encircled and in danger. In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his concern for these troops, stating, “I have strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared. This would be a horrible massacre, one not seen since World War II.”
Putin responded to Trump’s appeal, indicating that the lives of the surrounded soldiers could be spared if they surrendered. However, Ukrainian military officials have denied claims of a large-scale encirclement, labeling them as “false and fabricated.” The Ukrainian General Staff emphasized that operations are ongoing and that troops have successfully regrouped to better defensive positions.
The exchange of warm words between Trump and Putin is likely to raise alarms in Kyiv and among European leaders, who are already wary of signs that the new U.S. administration may be softening its stance toward Russia while exerting pressure on Ukraine. The Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, noted that Putin had sent a message to Trump regarding a proposed ceasefire, expressing cautious optimism about the possibility of reaching an agreement.
As discussions continue, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticized the conditions set by Russia for a ceasefire, asserting that they complicate the peace process. “Russia is the only party that wants the war to continue and diplomacy to break down,” he stated, emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to establishing a lasting peace.
The situation remains fluid, with U.S. intelligence reports suggesting that Putin is still focused on achieving his goals in Ukraine. Despite the apparent optimism from some quarters, Zelenskyy and other leaders remain skeptical of Russia’s intentions.
As the international community watches closely, the dynamics between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine continue to evolve, with the potential for significant implications for regional stability and global relations.
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