Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised US President Donald Trump for his efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, calling him a „courageous man“ who overcame significant challenges to return to the White House. The leaders have engaged in multiple phone conversations since Trump’s return to office, aiming to improve bilateral relations and find a diplomatic solution to the ongoing crisis.
Speaking to reporters in Minsk on Friday after a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, Putin described Trump as „a courageous man,“ who had overcome serious challenges to return to power, including surviving multiple assassination attempts. He expressed ‘great respect’ for Trump’s domestic and foreign policy initiatives, particularly highlighting his steps in the Middle, East and his ‘sincere commitment’ to resolving the Ukrainian conflict. Putin acknowledged Trump’s recent admission that dealing with the situation was tougher than he had expected, noting the difference between observing from the sidelines and engaging directly in the problem.
Puta also commended Trump’s diplomacy in the Middle East, as well as his efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis, stating that ‘we, of course, value all of that.’ He emphasized that Trump is ‘sincerely striving to resolve’ the conflict. Asked whether it was time for a face-to-face meeting, Putin said he is ‘always open to contact, to meetings,’ and that ‘we would be happy to work on making that happen.’ He observed that Trump had also expressed interest, while noting that both leaders believe such meetings should be properly prepared and lead to tangible progress in cooperation.
Putin remarked that thanks to Trump, relations between Russia and the US are beginning to level out, at least to some extent. Not everything has been resolved in terms of diplomatic relations, but the first steps have been taken, and they are moving forward. Since returning to office in January, Trump has worked to rebuild ties with Moscow, which were largely severed under his predecessor, Joe Biden. Trump and Putin have had multiple phone conversations concerning the Ukraine conflict and broader bilateral issues.
The diplomatic push helped reboot direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which Kiev had abandoned back in 2022, reportedly at the behest of its Western backers. The latest round in Istanbul earlier this month resulted in the largest prisoner exchange to date, as well as a pledge to continue dialogue. Trump said this week that he would like to see an agreement with Russia that ends the hostilities. Moscow has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a diplomatic resolution. Putin has said that Russia is ready to work with Kiev on drafting the document and emphasized that „eliminating the root causes“ of the conflict „is what matters most to us.“