New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Friday (native time) that if former US President Donald Trump had been in workplace in 2022, the Russia-Ukraine battle seemingly wouldn’t have occurred, a declare Trump himself has made repeatedly, putting blame on his successor, Joe Biden, for the outbreak of the struggle.
Talking at a joint press convention following practically three hours of discussions with Trump, Putin acknowledged that he had warned then-President Biden in 2022 that rising tensions between the 2 nations shouldn’t be allowed to escalate past the purpose of no return.
“At the moment, when President Trump says had he been the President again then, there would have been no struggle, and I’m fairly positive it could certainly be so,” he stated.
He continued, “Over the last contact with the earlier administration in 2022, I attempted to persuade my earlier American colleague that the state of affairs shouldn’t be delivered to the purpose of no return in terms of hostilities. I stated it straight again then that it was a giant mistake.”
Putin described Friday’s talks as productive and stated they befell in a constructive environment.
“Our negotiations have been held in a constructive environment of mutual respect. We had very slim negotiations that have been fairly helpful. I wish to thank my American counterpart as soon as once more for the proposal to journey out right here to Alaska. It solely is sensible that we have met right here as a result of our nations, although separated by the oceans, are shut neighbours,” he stated.
He added that regardless of being separated by the Worldwide Date Line, Russia and the US are geographically shut, making the assembly really feel like a go to to a neighbour.
“So after we met, after I got here out of the aircraft, I stated, ‘Good Afternoon, expensive neighbour! Superb to see you in good well being.’ I feel that could be very neighbourly. I feel that is some variety phrases that we are able to say to one another. We’re separated by the Strait of Bering, although there are solely two islands between the Russian Island and the US Island; they’re solely 4km aside. We’re shut neighbours and it is a reality,” he stated.
Putin additionally highlighted Alaska’s historic significance as widespread floor for the US and Russia, noting its function throughout World Warfare II as a bridge for transporting army gear from the US to the USSR.
“It is also essential that Alaska has to do with our widespread heritage and customary historical past between Russia and the US, and plenty of optimistic occasions must do with that territory. Nonetheless, there may be super cultural heritage again from Russia and America. For instance, orthodox church buildings and greater than 700 geographical names of Russian origin,” he stated.
“Throughout the Second World Warfare, it was right here in Alaska that the origin of the legendary airbridge for the availability of army plane and different gear beneath the land lease programme. It was a harmful and treacherous route. Over the huge vacancy of ice, nevertheless, the pilots of each nations did the whole lot to deliver near victory. They risked their lives and gave all of it for his or her neighborhood,” he added.
Putin recounted how troopers from each nations fought along with widespread enemies in a spirit of camaraderie.
“I used to be simply within the metropolis of Magadan, and there was a memorial there which was devoted to the Russian and US pilots. There are two flags there- the US flag and the Russian flag. I do know that right here, as properly, there was a memorial. There’s a army burial place a number of kilometres away from right here. So many pilots are buried right here who died throughout the harmful mission. We’re grateful to the residents and the federal government within the West for caring for their reminiscence. I feel that is greater than noble. We are going to at all times bear in mind different historic examples when our nations defeated widespread enemies collectively within the spirit of battle camaraderie. They supported one another and facilitated one another. I’m positive that this heritage will assist us rebuild and foster mutually helpful and equal ties,” he famous.
Putin additional acknowledged that US-Russia relations have hit a document low, however emphasised that he and Trump had spoken candidly over the cellphone.
“At this new stage, even throughout the hardest situations, it’s recognized that there have been no summits between Russia and the US in 4 years. That is a very long time. This time was very exhausting for bilateral relations, and let’s be frank- they’ve fallen to the bottom level for the reason that Chilly Warfare. I feel that is not benefiting our nations and the world as a complete. Eventually, we now have to amend the state of affairs to maneuver on from the confrontation to dialogue. On this case, a private assembly between the heads of state has been lengthy overdue. Naturally, the situation of great and painstaking work. This work has been executed usually. President Trump and I’ve an excellent direct line of communication. We’ve got spoken a number of instances. We spoke frankly on the cellphone,” he stated.
Putin additionally famous that Trump’s Particular Envoy, Steve Witkoff, had travelled a number of instances to Russia for talks.
“And the Particular Envoy of President Trump, Mr Witkoff, travelled right down to Russia a number of instances. Our advisors and heads of international ministries stored in contact on a regular basis. We knew absolutely properly that one of many central points was the state of affairs in Ukraine,” he stated.
In Russia, the response to the summit between Putin and Trump has been greater than optimistic. Russian media have been ecstatic when the Russian chief obtained applause from the US president because the purple carpet was actually rolled out for Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, CNN reported.
(With inputs from ANI)