“And I take the opportunity to congratulate him,” Putin said at the Valdai political discussion forum in Sochi on the Black Sea in response to a question about his view of the US election. He himself won’t call because many Western leaders prefer to avoid contact with Russia today. But he is fundamentally ready to resume contact.
Regarding Trump’s statements during the election campaign that he wanted to restore relations with Russia and make a contribution to the end of the Ukraine conflict, Putin said: “That deserves attention.”
Good personal contact
Putin recalled that he also had good personal contact with US presidents – especially with the Bush family, with whom he also stayed overnight. He admired Trump’s courage during the election campaign after the assassination attempt. “He is a brave man,” Putin said. “That impressed me.” It is extraordinary that someone does not allow himself to be deterred and fights for his ideals.
There is radio silence between Putin and US President Joe Biden because of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Diplomatic relations are at their lowest point. There were recent contacts between Moscow and Washington through intermediaries, for example in the exchange of prisoners. The military leadership of both countries also made sporadic telephone calls recently.
Trump claimed during the election campaign that he could end the war in Ukraine quickly, possibly even before his inauguration on January 20th. Critics have long accused the 78-year-old Republican of being too close to Russia and especially to Putin.
ePaper
**Interview with Dr. Elena Kostova, Political Analyst on US-Russia Relations**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Kostova. Recent statements from Vladimir Putin regarding Donald Trump have stirred significant discussions. What is your take on Putin’s warm welcome to Trump following his electoral campaign?
**Dr. Kostova:** Thank you for having me. Putin’s remarks at the Valdai forum clearly indicate his readiness to re-establish ties with the United States, particularly with Trump. This is noteworthy given the current tensions and the cooling of diplomatic relations under President Biden. Putin’s compliments regarding Trump’s bravery and his intention to deepen contact highlight his strategic interest in having a more favorable relationship with the US, which he perceives as advantageous for Russia.
**Interviewer:** Putin mentioned having good personal rapport with previous US presidents, emphasizing his admiration for Trump’s character. How significant is personal chemistry in international diplomacy?
**Dr. Kostova:** Personal relationships between leaders can greatly influence diplomatic interactions. When leaders have a good rapport, it often facilitates smoother negotiations and can lead to more constructive dialogue. In Trump’s case, Putin’s admiration could be a strategic move to leverage this connection to attain certain diplomatic goals, especially concerning contentious issues like the Ukraine conflict.
**Interviewer:** Trump asserted during his campaign that he could resolve the Ukraine war swiftly. How realistic is this statement in light of the current geopolitical climate?
**Dr. Kostova:** It’s a complicated situation. While Trump’s bold claim might resonate with his supporters, the reality is that the conflict is deeply entrenched, with many factors at play, including international alliances, economic sanctions, and military strategies. Achieving peace quickly would require significant negotiations, likely involving multiple parties beyond just the US and Russia. Critics may also see Trump’s proximity to Russia as concerning, given the ongoing aggression.
**Interviewer:** With diplomatic relations at a low point, what steps do you think should be taken to improve communication between the US and Russia?
**Dr. Kostova:** Considering the current state of affairs, open channels of communication are crucial. Both nations need to engage in dialogue to address mutual concerns, whether it’s military aggression, cybersecurity issues, or economic sanctions. Initiatives like back-channel talks, expert forums, or even cultural exchanges could serve as preliminary steps toward normalizing relations and fostering trust.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Kostova, for your insights on these pressing international relations topics.
**Dr. Kostova:** My pleasure. It’s an important time for US-Russia relations, and we must watch closely how these dynamics evolve.
