Putin Agrees to Negotiate End to Ukraine War Following Trump’s Warning of Economic Consequences

President Vladimir Putin has expressed his willingness to engage in negotiations over the war in Ukraine, following a warning from former US President Donald Trump. Trump had cautioned Putin to bring the conflict to a swift end or face severe economic consequences, including high taxes, tariffs, and sanctions.

In his first response since Trump’s remarks, Putin acknowledged Trump’s readiness to work together, stating that Russia is always open to discussions. Speaking to a Russian state TV journalist, Putin said, “It would be better for us to meet, based on the realities of today, to talk calmly.”

Putin further described his relationship with Trump as “businesslike, pragmatic, and trustworthy,” emphasizing that Trump is both intelligent and pragmatic. He added, “I have a hard time imagining there will be decisions taken that are detrimental to the American economy.”

While open to talks, Putin noted that negotiations with Ukraine are complicated due to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decree, which prevents him from engaging in discussions with Putin.

Additionally, Putin suggested that the ongoing war in Ukraine could have been avoided if Trump had won the 2020 US presidential election. “I cannot but agree with him that if he had been president, if his victory had not been stolen from him in 2020, then perhaps there would not have been the crisis in Ukraine that arose in 2022,” Putin stated.