In a notable development that has drawn global attention, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, January 24, 2025, echoed sentiments expressed by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Putin claimed that the crisis could have been averted if Trump had been in office in 2022. During an interview with Russian state television, Putin also expressed Moscow’s openness to discussions with the United States on several pressing international issues, emphasizing his willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.
Putin Praises Trump’s Pragmatism
President Putin’s remarks underscored his favorable view of Trump’s leadership approach, referring to the former U.S. President as a “clever and pragmatic man” who prioritizes American interests. Putin stated, “We always had a business-like, pragmatic but also trusting relationship with the current U.S. president.” He added, “I couldn’t disagree with him that if he had been President, if they hadn’t stolen victory from him in 2020, the crisis that emerged in Ukraine in 2022 could have been avoided.” This statement marked Putin’s strongest endorsement yet of Trump’s assertion that the 2020 U.S. presidential election was unfairly decided, a claim that has been a focal point of Trump’s rhetoric since his defeat.
Former President Trump has repeatedly suggested that the conflict in Ukraine would not have escalated under his administration. Despite his tenure coinciding with increased tensions in eastern Ukraine between Kyiv’s forces and Moscow-aligned separatists, Trump insists his leadership would have prevented the broader conflict that unfolded in 2022. On Thursday, January 23, 2025, Trump reiterated this stance during an interview with Fox News, criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for not negotiating a deal with Putin to prevent hostilities.
Trump’s views have sparked debate, with critics pointing out that key tensions, such as Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and ongoing disputes over NATO expansion, predate his presidency. During his interview, Putin reaffirmed his openness to negotiations but highlighted obstacles posed by Ukraine’s political stance. Referring to Zelenskyy’s decision in 2022 to rule out talks with Moscow, Putin said, “How is it possible to conduct talks if they are banned? If the talks start in the existing legal framework, they would be illegitimate, and the results of those talks could also be declared illegitimate.”
Putin also stressed the importance of addressing broader issues in U.S.-Russia relations, including nuclear arms control and economic matters. “We can have quite a lot of points of contact with the current administration and search for solutions to key issues of today,” he stated.
Economic Sanctions and Global Oil Dynamics
Putin criticized the economic sanctions imposed on Russia during Trump’s presidency and under President Joe Biden’s administration. He argued that these measures have harmed U.S. interests, particularly by undermining the dollar’s role in the global financial system. According to Putin, Trump’s pragmatic approach would have likely avoided decisions detrimental to the American economy.
Highlighting the interdependence of major oil producers, Putin emphasized the need for collaboration between Russia and the U.S. to stabilize global oil prices. “As top oil producers and major industrial powers, we have things to talk about. Neither of us benefits from oil prices being either too low or too high,” he noted.
Speaking remotely from the White House to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, January 23, 2025, Trump linked the conflict in Ukraine to global oil prices. He argued that the high prices maintained by the OPEC+ alliance have prolonged the conflict. “If the price came down, the Russia-Ukraine war would end immediately,” Trump asserted, noting that energy sales form a significant portion of Russia’s revenue.
However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed this perspective, stating, “The conflict doesn’t depend on oil prices. It’s ongoing because of the threat to Russia’s national security, the threat to Russians living on those territories, and the refusal by the Americans and the Europeans to listen to Russia’s security concerns. It’s not linked to oil prices.”
The Kremlin’s Outlook
Peskov reiterated Moscow’s stance that the conflict in Ukraine stems from Western actions, including NATO’s expansion and perceived threats to Russian sovereignty. He reaffirmed the Kremlin’s readiness for dialogue but noted the absence of clear signals from Washington. “This dialogue took place between the two presidents during Trump’s first presidency. And we are waiting for signals that we have not received yet,” Peskov said.
The statements from Putin and Trump highlight ongoing divisions over the origins and solutions to the Ukraine conflict, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions. While Trump’s assertions about his potential to prevent the war are contentious, Putin’s endorsement underscores the strategic complexities at play. Both leaders’ comments point to the need for renewed diplomatic efforts to address not only the Ukraine crisis but also broader issues in U.S.-Russia relations. Whether future negotiations can overcome entrenched positions remains uncertain, but the dialogue’s outcome will have far-reaching implications for global stability.
