Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that the Ukraine crisis, which erupted in 2022, might have been avoided if Donald Trump had been reelected as the US president in 2020. In an interview with the Russian Rossiya 1 TV channel on Friday, Putin stated that Russia remains open to peace talks on the Ukraine war. He emphasized that Moscow has not rejected engagement with the US administration, although the previous one did not pursue such dialogue. Speaking about his relationship with Trump, Putin described it as "strictly business-like, yet pragmatic and trust-based." He added, "I cannot but agree with him that if he had been president, if his victory had not been stolen from him in 2020, then maybe there would not have been the Ukraine crisis that broke out in 2022." Putin acknowledged that Trump imposed significant sanctions on Russia during his term but argued that these actions were not in the best interests of either country. He also criticized the Biden administration for introducing even more restrictions, which he claimed have negatively impacted the US economy and weakened the dollar's position as a global currency. Regarding the Ukraine conflict, Putin reiterated Russia's willingness to engage in dialogue but highlighted obstacles, such as an executive order by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that prohibits peace talks. He urged Ukraine's financial backers to pressure Zelenskyy into repealing the order, stating that serious negotiations cannot proceed while the ban remains in place. "The current Kyiv regime appears content to receive hundreds of billions from its benefactors," Putin remarked, adding that he believes Zelenskyy would have no choice but to comply if pressured. Despite the challenges, Putin expressed hope for constructive engagement with the US on shared concerns such as strategic stability, economic matters, and energy production. He emphasized the mutual benefits of cooperation in energy markets and other sectors. Concluding the interview, Putin underscored Russia's readiness to engage in discussions with the US but noted that progress depends on decisions made by the current US administration. — Agencies
