Putin Hopes 'Understanding' Reached With Trump At Talks In Alaska To Pave Way For Peace In Ukraine

MOSCOW, Aug 16 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday that "an understanding" was reached at a meeting with US President Donald Trump, which he hopes will pave the way for peace in Ukraine, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. 

Putin described discussions with Trump as "constructive and useful," noting that the situation with Ukraine was one of the central issues discussed.

"I would like to hope that the understanding that we've reached together will help us bring closer that goal and will pave the path towards peace in Ukraine," he said at a news conference following the talks with Trump in Alaska.

Putin said Russia has always considered, and still considers, the Ukrainian people "to be fraternal."

"We have always considered the Ukrainian people, and I have said this repeatedly, to be fraternal, no matter how strange it may sound in today's conditions. We have the same roots, and everything that happens to us is a tragedy and a great pain," he said.

Putin reiterated concerns about Ukraine's "turn to the West," emphasising it is associated with fundamental threats to Russia's national security.

He stated that a sustainable and long-term Ukrainian settlement is impossible without addressing the root causes, that Russia's concerns must be taken into account, and that a fair balance in security across Europe and globally must be restored.

"I agree with President Trump, who spoke about it today, that the security of Ukraine must undoubtedly be ensured. Of course, we are prepared to work on this," he said.

The Russian president noted he perceives a genuine willingness from the current US administration and Trump to help resolve the conflict, including Trump's readiness to examine its root causes.

"I would like to thank Mr Trump for our productive collaboration and for the open, trust-based nature of our discussions. Most importantly, both sides remained results-oriented.

"We recognise that the US president has a clear vision of his goals, truly prioritises his nation's welfare, while also demonstrating respect for Russia's legitimate interests," he remarked.

Putin was optimistic that the agreements made in Alaska would serve as a foundation not just for settling the Ukraine crisis, but also for rebuilding practical, mutually beneficial US-Russia relations.

Regarding Europe, the Russian leader anticipates no resistance from Kyiv or European capitals toward the conflict-resolution progress achieved during the Alaska summit.

"We hope that Kyiv and European capitals will take all this in a constructive manner and will not create any obstacles. They will not attempt to disrupt the planned progress through provocations or behind-the-scenes intrigues," he stressed.

Putin noted that in 2022, during his final contacts with the previous US administration, he warned his American counterpart against escalating tensions to the point of military conflict.

"At that time, I explicitly stated that doing so would be a grave mistake," he said.

Putin added that he believed the conflict would never have started had Trump remained president.

He described his relationship with Trump as "a very good, professional, and trust-based" one, expressing hope that maintaining the course could lead to an end to the war in Ukraine.

Turning to Russia-US relations, Putin said it deteriorated to "the lowest point since the Cold War," and "it was necessary to act to fix that."

"Such developments do not benefit either of our countries nor the world as a whole," he noted.

The Russian leader emphasised that correcting the situation, shifting from confrontation to dialogue, had become inevitable.

"In this context, a face-to-face meeting between our nations' leaders became truly essential, provided it was properly prepared. Generally speaking, such preparatory work was indeed conducted," he said.

The president emphasised the geographical proximity between Russia and the US, noting they are neighbours separated only by the Bering Strait.

He also highlighted how Alaska's selection as the venue reflects the two nations' shared history, which includes many positive developments.

"We will always remember historical examples when our countries fought common enemies together in the spirit of comradeship and alliance, providing mutual assistance and support. This legacy, I am confident, will help us rebuild mutually beneficial, equal partnerships on a new level, even under challenging circumstances," he stated.

The Russian leader encouraged renewed cooperation, stressing the untapped potential in business and investment ties.

He noted that since the new US administration took office, trade turnover has grown 20 per cent, which was insignificant in absolute terms given the previously negligible baseline, but meaningful symbolically.

"Symbolically, nearby, on the border between Russia and the US, is the date line change, where one can literally step from yesterday into tomorrow. And I hope that we'll manage to do just that in the political sphere as well," he added.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU