During a joint press conference in Alaska, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the Russia-Ukraine conflict likely would not have occurred if Donald Trump had been US President in 2022. This statement echoed a similar sentiment expressed by Trump, who has previously blamed the current US administration for the war. Putin recalled a 2022 conversation with then-President Joe Biden, where he warned against escalating tensions. He emphasized his belief that the situation could have been averted. Putin described the recent negotiations with Trump as constructive and mutually respectful. He highlighted the geographical proximity of Russia and the US, despite the international date line separating them, emphasizing the neighborly nature of their meeting in Alaska. Putin also referenced Alaska’s historical significance as a shared link between the two nations, particularly during World War II. He noted the presence of Russian cultural heritage in Alaska and the collaborative spirit of the two countries during the war. Putin acknowledged that US-Russia relations are currently at a historic low but mentioned that he and Trump have maintained direct communication. He added that Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, had visited Russia for talks, and advisors from both sides had been in contact, focusing on Ukraine. The summit between Putin and Trump was met with enthusiasm in Russia.
