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‘Thanks to President Trump…’. Putin discusses peace talks with Kyiv and relations with Washington during press conference in Belarus
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President Vladimir Putin wrapped up a two-day visit to Belarus on Friday, after taking part in the Eurasian Economic Forum and a Eurasian Economic Union summit. Speaking at a press conference after the events, Putin took questions from reporters on a range of topics, including negotiations with Ukraine, relations with Washington, and Russia’s defense spending. Here’s what he said.
On peace negotiations with Ukraine
Asked when Russia will hold a third round of peace talks with Ukraine, Putin told reporters that the heads of the countries’ respective negotiating groups are in “constant contact” and are currently hammering out the time of their next meeting.
Referencing a series of prisoner swaps in recent weeks, Putin said these exchanges are laying the groundwork for future talks, adding that Russia is “generally ready” for another round of negotiations. “We agreed that we would continue future contacts after the completion of the exchanges and after the humanitarian action that we proposed. Namely, the transfer of the bodies of deceased servicemen,” Putin said.
Putin also said that Russia is prepared to hand over the remains of another 3,000 Ukrainian soldiers.
Commenting on the peace memos Moscow and Kyiv exchanged during the last round of talks in Istanbul in early June, Putin said it’s “not surprising” that these are “two absolutely contradictory memoranda.” He then declined to go into details, so as not to “harm” future negotiations.
At the same time, Putin hinted that the next round of talks would also take place in Istanbul. “In my opinion, the subject [of the talks] should be a discussion of the memoranda from both sides,” he added.
READ MORE ABOUT THE PEACE TALKS
On relations with Washington
Expressing gratitude to Donald Trump for his domestic and foreign policy moves, Putin said he believes the U.S. president is “genuinely trying” to end the war in Ukraine:
What [Trump] is doing inside the country, what he’s doing in connection with the situation in the Middle East, and his efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis — of course, we appreciate all of this very much. I’ve already discussed this, but I want to reiterate it publicly now: I believe that President Trump is genuinely trying to resolve the Ukrainian issue.
Putin then said that he is “always open” to communicating and meeting with Trump. “I know that Mr. Trump also spoke about the possibility of meetings. Well, like him, I think that such meetings need to be arranged,” he told reporters. Putin later expressed hope that such a meeting would lead to “new levels of cooperation” with Washington.
In general, thanks to President Trump, relations between Russia and the United States are starting to level out in some ways. Not everything has been resolved in the sphere of diplomatic relations, but the first steps have been taken, and we’re moving forward.
On Russia’s defense spending
Putin told reporters that Russia is spending 6.3 percent of its GDP, or 13.5 trillion rubles (about $172 billion), on its military.
Yes, our [military] expenditures today are not small. It’s 6.3 percent of GDP. Is this a lot or a little? I think it’s a lot. Of course, this is one of the problems — including for the budget — that we must resolve. And we are solving it with dignity. We’re fighting for a healthy macroeconomy.
Putin went on to say that Russia plans to reduce defense spending, unlike European countries:
Yes, we want to end the special military operation with the result we need. Of course, this is what we’re basing our calculations on. We’re [preparing] for this and not for aggressive plans in relation to Europe and NATO countries. And we’re planning to decrease expenditures. But they’re planning to increase [them]. So who’s behaving aggressively?
Putin accused the West of trying to “bury” Russia economically, while claiming that European economies are “on the brink.” At the same time, he argued that sanctions against Russia are actually harming Western countries. “The more sanctions, the worse it is for those who impose these sanctions. This goes for France and the European economy as a whole,” he said.
READ MORE ABOUT RUSSIA’S SPENDING
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