Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that the ongoing Ukraine crisis could have been avoided if Donald Trump had remained the U.S. president. In remarks aired on state television, Putin expressed support for Trump’s claim that the 2020 U.S. election was stolen and reaffirmed Trump’s assertion that he was the rightful winner.
“I cannot but agree with him that if he had been president – if his victory hadn’t been stolen in 2020 – then maybe there would not have been the crisis in Ukraine that emerged in 2022,” Putin told reporters, as reported by AFP.
Putin Praises Trump’s Leadership Style
Describing Trump as “smart and pragmatic,” Putin stated that the former president would not have made decisions on sanctions that adversely affected the U.S. economy. “Most likely, it would have been better for us to meet and calmly discuss issues of mutual interest,” he added, emphasizing energy prices and global security concerns as key areas for dialogue.
Trump Calls for Immediate Resolution of Ukraine War
The Russian president’s comments came a day after Trump, who recently assumed office for a second term, called for an immediate resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump described the conflict as “ridiculous” and responsible for immense human suffering.
“I think Putin should make a deal,” Trump said during a media briefing. “That battlefield is like no battlefield since World War II… Soldiers are being killed daily at numbers we haven’t seen in decades. This war needs to end—it’s unnecessary.”
Putin Open to Negotiations
In response to Trump’s statements, Putin signaled a willingness to engage in discussions. “We are ready to meet and talk calmly about the realities of today. This includes finding solutions to issues concerning both the United States and Russia,” Putin said, according to Reuters.
International Implications
Putin’s endorsement of Trump and his comments on the Ukraine war have drawn mixed reactions globally. Critics argue that these remarks highlight Putin’s preference for a more isolationist U.S. foreign policy under Trump, while supporters see it as an opportunity to de-escalate tensions and explore diplomacy.
