By M10News International Desk | © M10News 2025
Russian President Vladimir Putin has credited Donald Trump with helping to stabilise relations between Moscow and Washington, while also signalling a fresh willingness for peace negotiations with Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to Minsk, Belarus, Putin expressed “great respect” for Trump and said he was open to meeting him, describing the prospect as “quite possible.”
“In general, thanks to President Trump, relations between Russia and the United States are beginning to level out in some ways,” Putin said, according to Russian state media.
The Kremlin leader’s comments come amid growing speculation over the future of US-Russia diplomacy, particularly as Trump campaigns for re-election in the United States.
Separately, Putin acknowledged that Russia is under financial strain due to surging military expenditures, which he said have contributed to inflationary pressures at home. Despite this, he claimed the Kremlin is planning to reduce military spending over the long term.
On the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, Putin confirmed that Moscow is ready to resume peace negotiations, with Turkey being considered as a potential host nation.
“We are ready for new rounds of talks, possibly in Istanbul, although the timing and location are yet to be finalised,” Putin stated.
He also said Russia is prepared to facilitate the return of an additional 3,000 bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers to Kyiv.
At a previous round of negotiations held in Istanbul on 2 June, both Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange the remains of 12,000 soldiers killed during the war.
The potential resumption of peace talks comes amid mounting international pressure for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, which has now surpassed two years in duration with no end in sight.
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