U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed a strong desire to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin as soon as possible to bring an end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis. Speaking via video link to the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, Trump emphasized the urgency of resolving the conflict and highlighted the importance of nuclear arms reduction.
\\"I really would like to be able to meet with President Putin soon to get that war ended,\\" Trump stated. Later, addressing reporters at the White House, he reiterated his readiness to engage in dialogue with Putin. \\"From what I hear, Putin would like to see me, and we'll leave as soon as we can. I'd meet immediately,\\" he said.
Trump also mentioned that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had indicated his willingness to negotiate a deal to end the crisis. The U.S. President has been vocal about his intentions to facilitate peace between Ukraine and Russia, having declared during his election campaign that he would secure a deal swiftly upon taking office. However, his advisors now acknowledge that resolving the war may take several months.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled openness to dialogue with the new U.S. administration. \\"We are open to dialogue with the new U.S. administration on the conflict in Ukraine,\\" Putin said on Monday, stressing the need to address the root causes of the conflict.
Earlier in the week, Trump had threatened to impose \\"high levels\\" of sanctions on Russia and tariffs on imports if Moscow did not reach a settlement.
In addition to seeking an end to the Ukraine crisis, Trump expressed his desire to work towards nuclear arms reduction. \\"We'd like to see denuclearization… and I will tell you President Putin really liked the idea of cutting way back on nuclear. And I think the rest of the world, we would have gotten them to follow,\\" he told reporters.
Russia suspended its participation in the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) with the U.S. in February last year. The New START is the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty in force between the two nuclear superpowers. Despite the suspension, U.S. officials noted in November that Russia remains within the limits set by the treaty, which holds both nations to deploying a maximum of 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads on 700 intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarines, and bombers.
The potential meeting between Trump and Putin could mark a significant step towards easing tensions and promoting global security. Observers around the world are watching closely as developments unfold.
(With input from agencies)
Reference(s):
Trump says he wants to meet Putin soon to end Ukraine crisis
cgtn.com
