U.S. President Donald Trump has declared his desire to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin as soon as possible to bring an end to the Ukraine crisis. Speaking via video link at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, Trump expressed hope that a face-to-face meeting could pave the way for peace. ✌️
\"I really would like to be able to meet with President Putin soon to get that war ended,\" Trump told the forum. Later, speaking to reporters at the White House, he emphasized his readiness: \"From what I hear, Putin would like to see me, and we'll leave as soon as we can. I'd meet immediately.\"
Trump revealed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also eager for a resolution. \"He told me he was ready to make a deal to end the crisis,\" Trump said. 🤝
Meanwhile, Putin signaled openness to dialogue with the new U.S. administration. \"We are open to dialogue with the new U.S. administration on the conflict in Ukraine,\" he said on Monday, highlighting the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict.
In a move adding pressure, Trump threatened earlier this week to impose \"high levels\" of sanctions and tariffs on Russia if Moscow does not reach a settlement. 🛑💰
Beyond the immediate crisis, Trump also expressed a desire to reduce nuclear arms. \"We'd like to see denuclearization… and I will tell you President Putin really liked the idea of cutting way back on nuclear,\" Trump stated. \"And I think the rest of the world, we would have gotten them to follow.\" 🌍☮️
Russia had suspended its participation in the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) with the U.S. in February last year. The treaty, extended by five years in February 2021, is the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between the two superpowers.
Despite the suspension, U.S. officials in November confirmed that Russia remains within the treaty's limits, which cap deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems.
Could this be a turning point towards peace and a safer world? 🤔 Only time will tell, but the world watches with hopeful anticipation.
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Trump says he wants to meet Putin soon to end Ukraine crisis
cgtn.com
