US President Donald Trump has claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin treated him with “great respect” during a recent phone call, highlighting what he described as a shared desire to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The remarks have reignited debates over Trump’s approach to Russia and its implications for both US foreign policy and the future of the Ukraine war.

Speaking at a press conference following his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House, Trump emphasized the significance of his direct communication with Putin. “Before I came here, there was no communication with Russia whatsoever,” Trump stated. “But when I got here, one of the first calls I made was to President Putin, and we were treated with great respect. They want to end this war, so that’s a big thing.”

Trump also framed the discussions in terms of his business acumen, suggesting that reaching a peace agreement aligned with his personal expertise in negotiations. “I think it’s very much to Russia’s benefit to make a deal and to go on with leading Russia in a very positive way,” Trump remarked. “I mean, that’s what I do. I do deals. My whole life is deals… And I know when somebody wants to make it and when somebody doesn’t.”

The phone call, which took place on February 12, was part of a broader resurgence in US-Russia communications following years of strained relations. This renewed........

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