In a recent press conference held at the White House on January 21, US President Donald Trump reiterated his commitment to ending the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Trump declared his willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin “anytime,” emphasizing the urgency of achieving a diplomatic resolution. His remarks have drawn attention globally, as they mark a potential shift in the dynamics of US-Russia relations under his administration.

Trump reaffirmed his belief that the Ukraine conflict could have been avoided entirely had he been in office during its onset in 2022. “Russia never would have gone into Ukraine. I had a very strong understanding with Putin,” he asserted. According to Trump, the Russian leader only launched the military operation against Ukraine because of a perceived lack of respect for then-President Joe Biden.

The former president described Putin as a “smart” leader and emphasized the need for mutual respect in international diplomacy. These comments reflect Trump’s longstanding position that his personal rapport with Putin could have deterred the escalation of tensions between Moscow and Kiev.

Expressing his determination to bring the conflict to an end, Trump highlighted his willingness to work with both Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and President Putin. “I would like to see that end,” he said, adding that Zelensky had conveyed his desire for peace in strong terms. However, Trump underscored the complexities of the situation by saying, “It takes two to tango,” implying that cooperation from both Russia and Ukraine is essential for a resolution.

When questioned about the timing of a potential face-to-face meeting with Putin, Trump responded, “Anytime........

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