Trump: Putin is destroying Russia, I hope he wants to make a deal

2025-01-21 21:55:04Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Donald Trump

United States President Donald Trump says that by not negotiating an end to its war with Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin is "destroying Russia."

"(Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelenskyy told me he wants to make a deal," President Trump told reporters Monday in the Oval Office, following his inauguration as the 47th president of the United States.

"I don't know if Putin wants that. Maybe he doesn't, I don't know. He has to make a deal. I think he's destroying Russia by not making a deal."

"I think Russia is going to have big problems," President Trump added. "Look at the economy, look at the inflation in Russia... I was dealing with him and I hope he wants to make a deal."

The US President also said he wants to meet Russian President Putin soon, but that a date for the meeting has not yet been set.

Just hours before Mr. Trump's inauguration ceremony on Monday, Mr. Putin told Russia's Security Council in a televised speech that he is open to talks with the new US administration about the war in Ukraine and nuclear weapons.

"We are seeing statements by the newly elected President of the United States and members of his cabinet regarding their willingness to establish direct contacts with Russia," Mr. Putin said, according to the Reuters news agency.

"We are also hearing his statement about the need to do everything possible to prevent World War III. We of course welcome this position and congratulate the president-elect of the United States of America on the start of his term," he added./ VOA

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