Russian President Vladimir Putin made a notable gesture prior to his crucial summit with President Donald Trump.
Before departing for Alaska, Putin placed flowers at a memorial dedicated to American and Soviet pilots who lost their lives during the Lend-Lease program in World War II.
Putin praised the Trump administration’s “vigorous” attempts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. He suggested that Moscow and Washington might come to an agreement regarding nuclear arms limitations during their summit in Alaska on Friday afternoon.
In his initial public statements following President Donald Trump’s announcement of the Alaska summit, Putin convened a meeting with senior Russian officials at the Kremlin on Thursday to update them on the progress of negotiations with the US concerning Ukraine.
“The current American administration… is making, in my view, quite vigorous and genuine efforts to halt the hostilities, resolve the crisis, and achieve agreements that are beneficial to all parties involved in this conflict,” Putin remarked, as reported by CNN.
In his concise comments, Putin stated that the purpose of the summit with the US is to “establish long-term conditions for peace between our nations, as well as in Europe and globally.”
WATCH:
President Trump reiterated his warning to Russian President Putin of “very severe” economic repercussions if he halts the Ukraine peace process. He reinforced this caution to reporters aboard Air Force One while en route to Alaska for a significant meeting with Putin.
“We have a good relationship. There’s a strong level of respect on both sides, and I believe that something positive will emerge from it. I noticed he is bringing many business leaders from Russia. That’s encouraging. I appreciate that. They want to engage in business, but they will not proceed until we resolve the war,” Trump stated.
“The war must end, and the killing must cease,” Trump added.
A reporter subsequently inquired, “What is the likelihood of the United States offering security guarantees to Ukraine, possibly in conjunction with Europe and other parties, but not through NATO, as there are certain obstacles preventing that from occurring?”
Trump responded, “Indeed, in collaboration with Europe, there is a growing possibility that a number of business leaders accompanying the president is a topic worth discussing at this important meeting. If we make progress, I would address it because it is one of the issues they wish to resolve. What I have established in terms of jobs and the economy, just to clarify: we were a country in decline. He would not have shown interest a year ago under the Biden administration, but he is now interested in a resurgence because we are witnessing the reopening of factories. We have numerous factories across the nation, including automotive plants; they are all returning because they want to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the open market.”
Another reporter queried, “Are territorial swaps part of today’s discussions, Mr. President? Will that be on the agenda?”
Trump replied, “Those matters will be addressed, but I must allow Ukraine to make that determination. I believe they will arrive at a sound decision. However, I am not here to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine. My role is to bring them to the negotiating table. There are two parties involved — consider this: Vladimir Putin aimed to seize all of Ukraine. If I had not been president, he would currently be in the process of taking over the entire country. But that will not happen.”
Trump stated that Russia would encounter economic repercussions if Putin is disinterested in reaching an agreement.
“The economic consequences will be severe. Yes, they will be very harsh. I am not undertaking this for my own benefit, understand? I do not require it. My focus is on our nation, but I am doing this to preserve many lives,” Trump remarked.