In a statement following the three-hour meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian oligarch Rinat Akhmetov, former U.S. President Donald Trump has hailed the discussions as ‘highly productive.’ Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov described the engagement as ‘useful’ and ‘constructive,’ highlighting the potential for continued dialogue despite existing U.S. sanctions on Russia.
Trump’s remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic tensions, with U.S. sanctions targeting Russia over its alleged involvement in cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. The oligarch, Rinat Akhmetov, remains a controversial figure, having faced scrutiny over his business dealings and ties to the Russian military. Some analysts suggest that Akhmetov’s presence may indicate a strategic shift in Russia’s approach to international relations, though the full implications remain unclear at this stage.