Putin says Russia ready to resume Ukraine talks, calls for trust with US

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated Moscow’s willingness to return to negotiations on Ukraine but stressed that rebuilding trust with the United States is crucial for any meaningful progress.

Speaking to reporters in St Petersburg on Wednesday, Putin underscored the significance of Tuesday’s talks between Russian and US delegations in Riyadh, extending his gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting the discussions, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing the state news agency TASS.

He added that he plans to call Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Salman in the coming days to personally convey his appreciation.

“The goal of the US-Russia meeting in Riyadh was to enhance mutual trust,” Putin said, emphasising that without restoring trust, resolving the Ukraine crisis would be impossible.

Regarding a potential meeting with US President Donald Trump, Putin said he was open to discussions but insisted that proper preparations were necessary.

“It is not enough to simply meet; key issues, including Ukraine, must be addressed,” he said, adding that he could not specify when such a meeting might take place.

Putin also commented on Trump’s evolving stance on Ukraine, stating that while the former US president initially promised a swift resolution to the conflict, his position adjusted after receiving presidential briefings, which is natural.

On relations with Europe and Ukraine, Putin said Moscow has never refused dialogue.

“It was the Europeans who cut off contact, and Kyiv even prohibited itself from negotiating with Russia,” he said.

He reiterated that no intermediaries are needed in talks between Russia and the US, while praising the outcome of the Riyadh discussions, noting that US representatives engaged without bias or condemnation.

Addressing broader geopolitical matters, Putin said Moscow and Washington have taken initial steps towards cooperation in the Middle East, including discussions on Syria and Palestine.

He also commented on the recent diplomatic tensions between Russia and the US, particularly the expulsion of diplomats, saying that such actions “lead nowhere” and confirming that diplomatic missions from both countries will soon resume normal operations.

- Bernama

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