ASTANA: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said that he took seriously US presidential candidate and former president Donald Trump’s comments that he could bring about a quick end to the fighting in Ukraine if elected.
During a debate with President Joe Biden last week, Trump said that he would have the Ukraine conflict “settled” before assuming office in January 2025.
“We take Mr. Trump’s statement as a presidential candidate, expressing readiness and desire to stop the war in Ukraine, very seriously,” Putin stated during a press conference in Astana on Thursday.
Putin acknowledged that he was not familiar with the specifics of Trump’s proposals to end the conflict, which has continued for three years now, termed by Russia as a “special military operation.”
“That, of course, is the key question,” Putin remarked. “But I have no doubt that he says it sincerely, and we support it.”
While Putin has consistently maintained openness to dialogue aimed at resolving the conflict, he recently stipulated that Ukraine must effectively concede to Russia’s terms as a precondition for a ceasefire. Specifically, Putin demanded that Ukraine withdraw its troops from southern and eastern territories currently under its control.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly rejected the notion of a temporary ceasefire, asserting concerns that Russia would utilize such a pause to regroup and reinforce its military capabilities.
Kyiv’s position remains steadfast: any resolution must include the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory, encompassing Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow in 2014. Additionally, Ukraine insists on compensation from Russia for the damages and destruction wrought by the prolonged conflict.
Despite Russian military gains this year following a Ukrainian counter-offensive in 2023 that saw limited success, the situation remains highly contentious with no immediate prospect of a diplomatic breakthrough.
Putin said that the Taliban are Moscow’s “allies” in fighting terrorism because they are in control of Afghanistan.
“We must assume that the Taliban control the power in the country. And in this sense the Taliban are, of course, our allies in the fight against terrorism, because any authorities are interested in stability in the state they govern,” Putin said.
Putin said that the Taliban have “taken on some responsibilities” but that there are still “issues that need constant attention inside the country and from the international community”.
“I am sure that the Taliban are interested in everything being stable in Afghanistan,” Putin added.
