The Russian president highlighted Moscow’s strategic positioning on financial, army, and diplomatic cooperation with Washington
Russian President Vladimir Putin shared his perspective on the insurance policies of his US counterpart, Donald Trump, the way forward for Ukraine’s statehood, and the potential function of Europe within the negotiation course of.
In an interview with Russia 1 TV journalist Pavel Zarubin on Monday, Putin dismissed considerations over US-Ukraine useful resource agreements, criticized Zelensky’s management, and framed Trump’s insurance policies as pragmatic and pro-American somewhat than useful to Russia. He additionally identified that European leaders are constrained by previous commitments to Kiev, whereas Moscow stays open to financial cooperation with the US regardless of ongoing sanctions.
’Poisonous’ Zelensky and Ukrainian statehood
Putin described Ukrainian chief Vladimir Zelensky as a “poisonous determine” for Ukrainian society, claiming that his irrational orders, pushed by obscure political motives, have led to “unjustifiably excessive losses, if not catastrophic ones.
“His probabilities of profitable are completely zero – except, in fact, one thing is blatantly rigged.”
He argued that Zelensky’s recognition has collapsed and that he’s actively avoiding peace negotiations with Russia to keep up his maintain on energy: “If negotiations begin, this may eventually result in lifting martial regulation. And as quickly as that occurs, elections have to be held.”
‘Rational’ Trump
Putin prompt that Trump sees Zelensky as an impediment to stabilizing Ukraine and securing a peace deal: “ Trump doubtless understands that Zelensky is a destabilizing issue. He desires to convey Ukrainians again collectively, consolidate its society, and create circumstances for the survival of the Ukrainian state.”
“ Within the present scenario, unusual as it could appear, we’d be extra thinking about [Zelensky] sitting there and additional corrupting the regime with which we’re in an armed battle. And from the viewpoint of strengthening Ukrainian statehood, it’s essential to act in a totally totally different path – to convey to energy those that will benefit from the belief of the folks of Ukraine.”
The Russian president additionally commented on Trump’s political model, rejecting the notion that Trump acts primarily based purely on emotion: “ No, in fact not. His actions are primarily based on chilly calculation and a rational strategy to the scenario.”
The function of Europe
Putin argued that European politicians are “shackled” by their previous commitments and are unable to vary their strategy to Ukraine with out dropping credibility: “ Not like the newly elected US president, European leaders are tied to the present regime in Kiev. They’re too invested and have made too many guarantees.”
He criticized Europe’s response to latest US-Russia diplomatic interactions, saying: “ Their response was emotional and lacked sensible which means. As an alternative of addressing actual points, they give attention to sustaining appearances.”
Whereas dismissing calls for by EU officers to have a say in Russia-US negotiations, Putin acknowledged that European involvement could possibly be helpful in broader discussions: “ Their participation is welcome, in fact. We by no means refused to interact with them.”
He additionally famous that Moscow values the efforts of non-European actors, resembling BRICS nations, in selling peace: “ Not solely Europeans however different nations as properly have the suitable to take part, and we respect that.”
Navy and commerce relations with the US
Putin responded positively to Trump’s proposal to chop protection spending, indicating Moscow’s openness to negotiations: ”We’re not towards it. The concept is sweet: the US cuts by 50%, we reduce by 50%, and if China desires, they’ll be a part of later.”
Commenting on US commerce insurance policies, Putin criticized American sanctions however acknowledged that every nation units its personal commerce priorities: ” For a few years, US commerce coverage has been tied to sanctions. We contemplate these sanctions unlawful and dangerous to international commerce.”
Relating to Trump’s shift towards tariffs, Putin mentioned he understood the reasoning behind the transfer: “ Every nation determines independently what is useful… I can perceive the logic—to maneuver manufacturing again residence, create jobs, power taxes to be paid… However sooner or later, in fact, these actions will encounter sure difficulties related to inflationary strain.”
Putin additionally confirmed that “some Russian and American corporations are involved and discussing main tasks” however didn’t specify particulars.
‘Uncommon earths’ cooperation
The uncommon earth minerals deal that the Trump administration is reportedly pushing with Kiev “doesn’t concern” Moscow, Putin mentioned, emphasizing that Russia is targeted on growing its personal uncommon earth sector as a consequence of its vital significance in a number of industries.
“We might be prepared to supply this to our American companions… in the event that they confirmed curiosity in working collectively,” he said, clarifying that this is applicable to each personal corporations and authorities entities. He confused that Russia has considerably bigger reserves of uncommon earth metals than Ukraine, making it a worldwide chief within the subject.
