Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Friday that Moscow is ready to enter into negotiations on Ukraine. Addressing the issue, the leader said he shares “trusting and pragmatic” relations with his United States counterpart Donald Trump. He went on to say that he believes “Kiev sponsors” will force Zelensky to reverse his decision to ban negotiations with Russia. The move comes after Trump called on Russia to end “the ridiculous war” with Kiev, threatening sanctions on everything Russian being sold in the US if Putin does not oblige.
Trump has threatened to impose ‘massive tariffs and sanctions’ against Russia if the war did not end immediately. “If they don’t settle this war soon, like almost immediately, I’m going to put massive tariffs on Russia, and massive taxes, and also big sanctions,” the Republican leader added during a Fox News interview on Thursday. Putin had also indicated his willingness to discuss Ukraine and nuclear arms with the new US administration earlier this week in a congratulatory message for Donald Trump. Putin also insisted that he wanted to secure a long-lasting peace in Ukraine rather than a short ceasefire. “We see the statements by the newly elected president of the United States and members of his team about the desire to restore direct contacts with Russia. We also hear his statement about the need to do everything possible to prevent World War Three. We of course welcome this attitude and congratulate the elected president of the United States of America on taking office,” he had said on Monday. NN: peace is in the air. Millions kilted for nothing. Lots of oil will soon be coming to market