Putin: Trump is Listening to Russia’s Arguments on Ukraine War/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that the Trump administration is listening to Moscow’s arguments on the Ukraine war. He described a “mutual understanding” with Washington, contrasting it with Biden-era dismissals. Still, Trump has warned of “severe consequences” if Russia resists U.S.-led peace efforts.
Putin-Trump Ukraine War Talks Quick Looks
- Putin claims Trump administration showing mutual understanding on Ukraine war
- Criticized Biden for ignoring Russia’s arguments
- Warned of possible punitive actions from Trump if Moscow stalls
- Trump has made ending Ukraine war a diplomatic priority
- Putin met Xi Jinping and Robert Fico in Beijing
- Attended Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit with Xi and Modi
- Suggested consensus possible on postwar security guarantees for Ukraine
- Reiterated opposition to Ukraine’s NATO membership but not EU accession
- Open to cooperation on Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant with U.S. and Ukraine
- Western leaders still skeptical of Russia’s intentions
Putin: Trump is Listening to Russia’s Arguments on Ukraine War
Deep Look
BEIJING — Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that President Donald Trump’s administration is more receptive to Moscow’s justifications for its ongoing war in Ukraine, suggesting that Russia and the U.S. are beginning to build a “mutual understanding” about the conflict.
Speaking in China after meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Slovakian President Robert Fico, Putin contrasted Trump’s approach with that of former President Joe Biden, whom he accused of ignoring Russia’s grievances.
“The administration is listening to us,” Putin said. “Now we see this mutual understanding, and we are very happy about this.”
Balancing Praise With Threats
While Putin welcomed a new tone from Washington, he acknowledged looming risks. President Trump has grown frustrated with Russia’s reluctance to engage fully in peace talks and recently warned of “severe consequences” if Moscow continues delaying U.S.-backed efforts to end the war. Ending the three-year conflict has become one of Trump’s stated diplomatic priorities, underscored by his hosting of a U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska last month.
China Summit and Symbolic Meetings
Putin’s comments came on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, where he met with Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The SCO, once a regional security grouping, has expanded into a broad platform counterbalancing U.S. influence in Asia.
Following the summit, Putin continued talks in Beijing and prepared to attend a major Chinese military parade marking the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end in Asia. The symbolism underscores Russia’s deepening partnership with China as both face U.S. economic and diplomatic pressure.
Ukraine Security Guarantees and NATO Question
On substantive issues, Putin hinted at potential room for compromise. He suggested there may be space for agreement on postwar security guarantees for Ukraine, though he offered no details. Putin repeated his long-standing rejection of Ukraine’s NATO membership but noted he does not oppose Ukraine’s accession to the European Union — a stance he has occasionally raised in past negotiations.
Nuclear Safety Concerns
Putin also pointed to cooperation opportunities at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest in Europe and one of the ten biggest worldwide. Its vulnerability during the war has alarmed international regulators. He said Moscow could work with both the U.S. and Ukraine on plant safety “if favorable conditions arise.”
Skepticism in the West
Despite Putin’s softer tone, Western officials remain unconvinced that Russia is serious about peace. Many argue the Kremlin is using dialogue as cover while its larger military attempts to grind down Ukrainian defenses. Analysts warn that without significant concessions from Moscow, Trump’s diplomatic push will face the same obstacles that stymied earlier peace efforts.
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