Today at 00:47
In an interview with Newsmax, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump stated his intention to meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin “as soon as possible” following his inauguration on January 20.
Reuters reported the development, though Trump did not specify an exact date for the meeting. It would mark the first encounter between the leaders of the two nations since the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine in February 2022.
Responding to journalists’ questions about his strategy to end the war, Trump remarked that the outcome largely depends on Putin.
“Well, there’s only one strategy, and it depends on Putin. I can’t imagine he’s thrilled with how things are going because it’s not exactly good for him either,” Trump said.
He also emphasized the importance of officially assuming office before taking certain actions.
“I would have done it earlier, but… you need to get into office. For some things, you have to be there,” Trump noted.
Background
Mike Waltz, Trump’s incoming National Security Advisor, confirmed that the president-elect’s team is working on preparations for his meeting with Putin, with at least a phone call expected in the coming days or weeks.
The Kremlin has stated that Putin is “open to contact” in response to the announcement.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that Kyiv anticipates a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President-elect Trump shortly after his inauguration on January 20.
Read also: Biden: Putin Wanted to Capture Kyiv, but He Wasn’t There—While I Was
