Russian President Vladimir Putin openly flattered Donald Trump by endorsing his claims about election fraud and suggesting that Trump’s presidency could have prevented the Ukraine war, even while acknowledging Trump had previously imposed significant sanctions on Russia.
The remarks underscore Putin’s continued effort to influence US politics as Trump seeks a swift end to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“I cannot disagree with him that, if he had been president, if his 2020 victory had not been stolen, then perhaps the crisis in Ukraine that emerged in 2022 would not have happened,” Putin said in an interview with state-run Rossiya-1.
While emphasizing his “businesslike and trusting relationship” with Trump, Putin acknowledged the sanctions Trump had imposed.
“Although it is well known that Trump, during his first term as president, introduced a significant number of restrictions and sanctions against Russia—the largest at the time—I don’t think that decision aligned with the interests of either Russia or the United States,” said Putin.
Trump, who previously claimed he could end the war within 24 hours, has now extended this timeline to six months following his primary victory. His special envoy, Keith Kellogg, proposed a 100-day roadmap for a “fair and equitable” agreement to “save Ukraine and their sovereignty.”
Trump warned Putin to “settle now” or face “taxes, tariffs, and sanctions.” His team is currently arranging meetings with both Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, with the latter’s office confirming preparations are underway.
Read more:
- Zelenskyy “no angel,” shouldn’t have allowed war, Trump says
- Kellogg wants to broker Russia-Ukraine peace deal within 100 days of Trump inauguration
- Reality dawns: Trump’s 24h Ukraine vows meet Moscow
- Trump has no substitute for victory in Ukraine: why concession to Putin risks global instability
- Trump’s “Art of the Deal” era is back
- How Trump can win Ukraine to save America’s future
