Trump’s 2020 election could have averted the 'Ukrainian crisis,' says Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently suggested that the current conflict in Ukraine could have been averted if Donald Trump had stayed in power after the 2020 US Presidential election.
During an interview on Friday with the Russian Rossiya 1 TV channel, Putin said that Russia is open to discussing peace concerning the Ukraine conflict.
He mentioned that Moscow has consistently been ready to engage in dialogue with the US government, but the previous administration opted not to follow through with this communication.
Putin reiterated Trump's claim that the 2020 election was "stolen," suggesting that this perceived outcome may have played a role in the current crisis. He said that Moscow has always been open to negotiations regarding the Ukraine conflict and expressed his readiness to talk with Washington.
Putin described Trump as a "strictly business-like, yet pragmatic and trust-based man," implying that such pragmatism could have led to peaceful negotiations and possibly prevented the war. However, it's crucial to recognize that these remarks are quite controversial and have ignited considerable debate.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown his openness to discussions with the United States on various topics, including the situation in Ukraine.
Putin highlighted that Moscow is prepared for negotiations and noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's choice in 2022 to dismiss talks with Russia has hindered peace efforts. He also pointed out that the U.S. and Russia have various other matters to address, including nuclear arms control and economic concerns.
Ukraine has faced a significant missile and drone assault from Russia, with a focus on energy facilities, including gas infrastructure. This situation has resulted in preventive power outages across various regions.
Recently, Russia and Ukraine completed a prisoner exchange involving 50 individuals. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that 25 of these individuals, some of whom were involved in the defense of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, are returning to Ukraine.
In Russia, inflation has skyrocketed due to the financial burdens of the war. The Kremlin has ramped up spending to unprecedented levels to support its military efforts, which has caused labor shortages and swift price increases. Despite high interest rates, Russia's central bank has struggled to reduce inflation.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has accused Russia of plotting "acts of terrorism" in the air against Poland and other nations. Zelenskyy anticipates that the US will continue to enhance Ukraine's military strength following the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
Former US President Donald Trump has asserted that he could have averted the conflict had he been in office. He also indicated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should have negotiated with Putin to prevent the war.
Furthermore, Putin expressed his willingness to meet with Trump to discuss shared interests, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.