The Russian president highlighted Moscow’s strategic positioning on financial, navy, and diplomatic cooperation with Washington
Russian President Vladimir Putin has shared his perspective on the insurance policies of his US counterpart Donald Trump, the way forward for Ukraine’s statehood, and the potential position 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 helpful to Moscow.
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 successful are completely zero – until, after all, one thing is blatantly rigged.”
He argued that Zelensky’s reputation has collapsed and that he’s actively avoiding peace negotiations with Russia with a purpose to preserve his maintain on energy: “If negotiations begin, this may in the end result in lifting martial legislation. And as quickly as that occurs, elections should be held.”
‘Rational’ Trump
Putin recommended 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 needs to deliver Ukrainians again collectively, consolidate its society, and create situations for the survival of the Ukrainian state.”
“ Within the present state of affairs, unusual as it could appear, we might 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 very completely different route – to deliver to energy those that will benefit from the belief of the folks of Ukraine.”
The Russian president additionally commented on Trump’s political type, rejecting the notion that the US president acts primarily based purely on emotion: “ No, after all not. His actions are primarily based on chilly calculation and a rational method to the state of affairs.”
The position of Europe
Putin argued that European politicians are “shackled” by their previous commitments and are unable to alter their method to Ukraine with out shedding 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, after all. We by no means refused to have interaction with them.”
He additionally famous that Moscow values the efforts of non-European actors, corresponding to BRICS nations, in selling peace: “ Not solely Europeans however different nations as nicely have the proper to take part, and we respect that.”
Army 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 in opposition to it. The concept is sweet: the US cuts by 50%, we reduce by 50%, and if China needs, 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 take into account these sanctions unlawful and dangerous to international commerce.”
Relating to Trump’s shift towards tariffs, Putin stated he understood the reasoning behind the transfer: “ Every nation determines independently what is helpful… I can perceive the logic – to maneuver manufacturing again house, create jobs, power taxes to be paid… However sooner or later, after all, these actions will encounter sure difficulties related to inflationary strain.”
Putin additionally confirmed that “some Russian and American firms are in touch and discussing main initiatives” however didn’t specify particulars.
‘Uncommon earths’ cooperation
The rare-earth minerals deal that the Trump administration is reportedly pushing with Kiev “doesn’t concern” Moscow, Putin stated, emphasizing that Russia is targeted on growing its personal rare-earth sector because of its important significance in a number of industries.
“We’d be prepared to supply this to our American companions… in the event that they confirmed curiosity in working collectively,” he acknowledged, clarifying that this is applicable to each personal firms and authorities entities. He pressured that Russia has considerably bigger reserves of rare-earth metals than Ukraine, making it a worldwide chief within the subject.
