Trump plans to meet with Putin "very quickly" after taking office – Reuters
US President-elect Donald Trump has said in an interview with the American television channel Newsmax that he aims to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin "very quickly" after his inauguration on 20 January.
Source: Reuters
Details: Trump did not specify a specific timeframe for the meeting, which would be the first between the two leaders since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Answering journalists' questions about the strategy to end the war, Trump said that the situation depends on Putin.
Quote from Trump: "Well, there's only one strategy and it's up to Putin and I can't imagine he's too thrilled about the way it's gone because it hasn't gone exactly well for him either."
Details: Trump also emphasised that it is necessary to officially assume the presidency to take certain actions.
Quote: "I would've done it sooner but...you have to get into the office. For some of the things, you do have to be there."
Background:
- On 12 January, Trump's nominee for National Security Adviser Mike Waltz confirmed that the president-elect's team was working on preparing for his upcoming meeting with the Russian leader and would be in contact with the Russian side "in the coming months".
- Commenting on this statement, the Kremlin noted that the Russian leader is "open to contacts".
- Meanwhile, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said that Kyiv expects a meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump to take place shortly after the latter’s inauguration on 20 January.
Support UP or become our patron!