Says that relations with the U.S. are beginning to improve.
MOSCOW, Russia (PNN) - June 27, 2025 - Russian President Vladimir Putin held a press briefing today in Moscow, following his visit to Belarus for the Eurasian Economic Union summit in Minsk.
There was plenty of recrimination for the collective West, but respect and even a certain amount of praise for U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s courage and efforts for peace.
Here is a summary of what Putin said, according to a report by Sputnik.
“Russia is ready for the third round of negotiations with Ukraine. The date is being discussed by the heads of the delegations. The proposals from Ukraine and Russia for ending the conflict are completely opposite, which is unsurprising. The aggressive collective West, under the pretext of Russia’s imaginary aggression, wants to rearm.”
Russian defense spending, said Putin, is aimed at fulfilling the Special Military Operation in Ukraine, not at aggression towards Europe.
“Western nations’ attempts to destroy Russia’s economy will see them die first while trying to bury us. Relations between Russia and the U.S. are starting to normalize and the first steps have been taken. A meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump is entirely possible and Russia would be happy to prepare for it.”
When commenting in the Russian and Ukrainian peace plans, Putin commented that their peace memoranda are polar opposites - but argued that “that is why we hold negotiations: to bring our positions closer.”
Once again, the Russian president stated that his country was deceived about NATO expansion - having been told that the Atlantic Alliance would not move not one inch east, but one after another, Eastern European countries were included.
Possibly the highlight of his presentation was the positive assessment of President Trump’s character and work in the presidency.
Putin hailed Trump as a “courageous man” who survived two assassination attempts, and also acknowledged his genuine efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict and the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
When it comes to a potential meeting, the head of state said, “I am always open to contact and meetings.”