Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday that Russia is not opposed to Europe’s involvement in U.S.-Russia peace talks on Ukraine but noted that Brussels had long refused dialogue with Moscow.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Monday that Europe is welcome to join Russia-U.S. peace negotiations on Ukraine, despite previously distancing itself from talks. Speaking on Russian state television, Putin suggested that European leaders had refused dialogue in the past but are now reconsidering.
“Their participation in the negotiating process is needed. We never rejected that,” Putin said. “At times, on the pretext of inflicting on Russia a battlefield defeat, they were the ones who refused contact with us.”
His remarks come after Russia and the United States held a round of talks last week in Saudi Arabia, without Ukraine or its European allies, triggering objections from Kyiv. Putin defended the discussions, saying they aimed to build trust between Washington and Moscow.
He also praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on Ukraine, describing him as acting "rationally" and free from constraints imposed by European commitments to Kyiv. “Unlike them, the new president of the United States has his hands free,” Putin said.
In a separate statement, Putin endorsed the idea of deep cuts in military spending, proposing a 50% reduction for both Russia and the U.S., with the possibility of China joining later.
The shift in diplomatic tone raises questions about Europe’s potential role in future negotiations and the broader direction of U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s leadership.
Read next
16:55
Tensions escalate
Russia has warned of a potential "symmetrical response" to Ukrainian attacks on its energy facilities, as tensions between the two nations continue to escalate. The Russian Foreign Ministry's statement follows a recent explosion at a gas pumping station in a border area.
16:16
Environmental Initiative
Hong Kong's iconic landmarks dimmed their lights on Saturday evening for Earth Hour, joining a global movement to raise awareness about climate change and promote energy conservation. The city's participation in the annual event highlighted the growing commitment to sustainability and environmental
16:13
Rebel Movement
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have announced plans to reposition their forces from the town of Walikale, which they seized earlier this week, in an effort to support broader initiatives aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
14:42
Pope's Return
Pope Francis will make his first public appearance in five weeks on Sunday, offering a blessing from his hospital window as he recovers from double pneumonia.
14:24
Firefighting tragedy
Two firefighters have tragically died and two more remain missing as wildfires continue to ravage South Korea, with over 20 fires burning across the country. The most severe blaze, in South Gyeongsang province, has already consumed hundreds of acres.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment