‘Had he been president…’: Putin backs Trump’s claim on war with Ukraine as both leaders agree to meet

Speaking to a Russian TV reporter on Friday, Putin supported Trump’s claim that he, not Joe Biden, was the legitimate winner of the 2020 US election.

Describing Trump as “smart and pragmatic” Putin said it would be a good idea for the two leaders to meet. He also expressed his openness to discussions with the newly-elected US President on key issues, including energy prices.

The Russian leader further added that he doubted the US president would make decisions on sanctions that would harm the US economy. “I do not expect Trump to take such decisions, which are harmful for the US economy,” he said.

“Therefore, most likely, it would be better for us to meet, based on the realities of today, to talk calmly on all those areas that are of interest to both the United States and Russia. We are ready. But, I repeat, this primarily, of course, depends on the decisions and choices of the current American administration,” he stated.

Putin also said, “We have common topics to discuss with the US administration, such as strategic stability, oil.” He added, “Too high and too low energy prices are bad both for Russia and the US.”

However, Putin noted that negotiations with Ukraine are not possible unless the West leaned on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to cancel a 2022 decree that bars him from negotiating with the Russian leader.

“Until the ban is lifted, it’s difficult to speak about the talks,” he said, adding, “Kyiv is not in a hurry to lift the ban.”

Trump, who was sworn in for a second term on Monday, has expressed his intention to meet Putin and push for an early resolution to the ongoing conflict. This week, he criticised the war as “ridiculous” and said it was “destroying” Russia’s economy.

Referring to comments, Putin said, “Russia has never refused from contacts with the US administration.”

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