Putin says if Trump was reelected in 2020, Ukrainian conflict might not have occurred

Putin claims the Ukraine crisis might have been avoided if Trump had won in 2020, emphasizing Russia’s openness to talks and critiquing US sanctions under Biden.

Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested the Ukraine crisis of 2022 might not have occurred if Donald Trump had been reelected in 2020.

Speaking to Russia's Rossiya 1 TV channel, Putin said Russia remains open to peace talks on Ukraine and has never refused contact with the US administration, though the previous one chose not to engage.

Putin described his relationship with Trump as "strictly business-like, yet pragmatic and trust-based," adding, "I cannot but agree with him that if he had been president, if his victory had not been stolen from him in 2020, then maybe there would not have been the Ukraine crisis that broke out in 2022." He noted Trump had imposed many sanctions on Russia during his presidency, a decision Putin believes was not beneficial for either nation.

Putin criticized the Biden administration for imposing additional sanctions, arguing they weakened the US dollar’s global position. "We did not refuse to use the US dollar. The previous administration prevented us from using it as a unit of payment," he stated.

On Ukraine, Putin emphasized Russia's willingness for dialogue but highlighted obstacles, such as an executive order from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prohibiting talks. "How can talks be resumed now that they have been outlawed?" Putin asked, urging Ukraine's financial backers to pressure Zelenskyy to act.

Putin expressed hope for constructive engagement with the US on strategic stability, economic issues, and energy production, emphasizing mutual benefits from balanced energy prices. He remained skeptical about Trump’s earlier threats of additional sanctions, doubting Trump would harm the US economy.

"It makes sense for us to meet based on the realities of today... We are ready to do that. But, again, this, first of all, depends on the decisions and choices of the current US administration," Putin concluded.

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