Donald Trump, who flaunted his friendship with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his first term, suggested that he might meet with Putin again soon after his second term begins. Putin also indicated he would be open to discussing normalizing relations with the U.S. under a new administration.
According to U.S. economic media outlet CNBC, Trump attended the America Fest organized by Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization, in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sunday. During the event, Trump emphasized, “President Putin said he wants to meet with me as soon as possible.” He added, “So we have to wait for this, but we have to end that war. That war is horrible, horrible.” Trump then declared, “I will end the war in Ukraine. I will stop the chaos in the Middle East. And I promise I will prevent World War III. World War III is very close.”
Earlier, during his year-end press conference last week, Putin stated that he is “always ready” to speak with Trump, adding that he would be prepared for a face-to-face meeting if Trump desired. In a subsequent interview with Russian state television on Sunday, when asked about normalizing relations with the U.S., Putin remarked that anything is possible if there is a will, emphasizing that Russia has never abandoned that will. He asserted that Russia is ready to build relationships with other countries if the situation changes and opportunities arise, adding that the inability to do so thus far is not Russia’s problem but theirs. However, Putin cautioned that any relationships would be built solely on Russia’s interests, emphasizing that the interests of Russia and its people must not be sacrificed.
On the same day, when questioned about the possibility of World War III, Putin responded by downplaying the need to intimidate anyone. He noted that they are observing the actions of their enemies and stated that if their enemies desire conflict, they should proceed, but it would only worsen their own situation.
