In a joint press conference held after the highly anticipated Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Russia-Ukraine war could have been completely avoided if Trump were the President of the United States in 2022.
Trump Could’ve Prevented The War, Says Putin
In the joint press conference, Putin did not hold back on sharing his thoughts on the Russia-Ukraine war, a topic that has not left the public consciousness in over three years.
The war was also a reason this press conference garnered so much global attention, with everyone, including the American President, looking to broker peace between the two warring nations.
Sharing his perspective on the situation, Putin said that the ongoing war could’ve been completely avoided if Trump were leading the USA in 2022, the year when the war started. He said that he had tried to convince then-President Joe Biden to avoid escalation to the point where military power is utilised.
“I would like to remind you, that in 2022, during our last contact with the previous administration, I tried to convince my previous American colleague, the situation should not be brought to the point of no return when it would come to hostilities, and I said it quite directly back then, that it was a big mistake,” said the Russian President.
Putin Calls Trump a “Trusting Contact”
Speaking on the progress made in their meeting held in Anakrage, Alaska, the Russian President said that he thinks of Trump as a “trusting contact.” He also hinted towards a potential end to the war in Ukraine if talks continue on a similar tone.
“President Trump and I established a very good, businesslike and trusting contact. And I have every reason to believe that by moving along this path, we can reach – and the sooner, the better – the end of the conflict in Ukraine,” Putin said.
He also sent a subtle warning towards third parties not to interfere in the dealings between the two nations. “We hope that Kyiv and the European capitals will perceive all of this in a constructive manner and will not create any obstacles or attempt to disrupt the nascent progress through provocation or behind-the-scenes intrigue.”
Also Read: ‘No Deal in Alaska’: Trump-Putin Talks End with Vague Promises and Global Questions
Putin to Trump: “Next Time In Moscow?”
In a rare moment, the Russian leader asked Trump to meet in Moscow in case a second meeting is arranged.
At the end of the joint press conference between the two leaders, Trump said, “We’ll probably see you again and probably speak to you very soon.” In response to this, Putin said the word “Next time in Moscow?” suggesting his capital city as the location for their potential second meeting. Trump called this an interesting suggestion and said, “I can see it possibly happening” before ending the conference.
Also Read: ‘Stop Killing Civilians?’ Putin Dodges Ceasefire Question as Trump Meeting Looms in Alaska | Watch
