Vladimir Putin has said that Europe’s participation in Ukraine peace talks will be needed in the long run
The President of Russia – Vladimir Putin has said that Europe’s participation in Ukraine peace talks will be needed in the long run, but first, Russia wants to build trust with the United States (U.S.).
He also suggested that a resolution to the Ukraine conflict remains distant. Putin’s remarks came as Ukraine marked the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion. Amid ongoing tensions, the President of the U.S. – Donald Trump, claimed that the war could be resolved within weeks, though he provided no details.
In an interview with Russian state television, Putin acknowledged Trump’s pragmatic approach to the conflict but indicated that a swift resolution may be unrealistic. He confirmed that his recent phone conversation with Trump, along with U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh, touched upon the issue of ending the war but did not delve into specifics.
Putin said, “But it was not discussed in detail. We only agreed that we would move toward this. And in this case, of course, we are not refusing the participation of European countries.”
Ukraine and its European allies have criticized the initial U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, arguing that Kyiv should have been included. However, Putin defended the discussions, emphasizing that they were primarily about restoring trust between Moscow and Washington.
Putin further said, “In order to resolve complex and rather acute issues, such as related to Ukraine, both Russia and the United States must take the first step. What does it consist of? This first step should be devoted to increasing the level of trust between the two states. So, we have to negotiate with the U.S., with the allies, with Ukraine, which type of security.”
He assured that European participation will be necessary once discussions shift toward a concrete settlement. “Their participation in the negotiating process is needed. We never rejected that, we held constant discussions with them,” added Putin.
The President of the U.S. Council on Foreign Relations – Michael Froman, warned against sidelining European partners in the peace process. He said that to secure peace through strength, it would be in Trump’s interest to work in tandem with European allies, who will bear the burden of Ukraine’s financial and economic survival.
Putin also addressed military spending, endorsing a proposal for Russia and the U.S. to reduce their defense budgets by 50%. He stated that China could join them later if it wishes to do so.
Putin dismissed the notion that Trump’s stance on Ukraine, including his criticism of President of Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelenskyy and suggestions that Kyiv might not reclaim all lost territory, was driven by emotion. Instead, he characterized Trump’s approach as logical and unrestrained by prior commitments.
Putin also stated that, unlike European leaders, Trump is free from the shackles of past promises that hinder progress. He operates directly and without constraints. This is the privilege of the leader of one of the world’s major powers
