"I can say I'm very disappointed in Russian President Vladimir Putin. We had a great relationship, but I am very disappointed," former US President Donald Trump said on the Scott Jennings radio show on 2/9, when asked about his reaction to Putin's response after the Alaska summit.
Since the Alaska summit last month, Trump has been urging the Russian leader to hold bilateral talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Kremlin said on 29/8 that Putin didn't rule out a meeting with Zelensky, but that such a meeting needed careful preparation. Russia has also intensified attacks on Kyiv in recent days.
Despite this, Trump didn't specify any consequences Russia would face if a peace agreement with Ukraine isn't reached. After the Alaska summit, Trump sometimes threatened sanctions against Russia, but also said he might let Russia and Ukraine resolve the conflict themselves.
"We will do something so that people can live," the former US President added.
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Former US President Donald Trump at the White House on 2/9. Photo: AFP |
Former US President Donald Trump at the White House on 2/9. Photo: AFP
Later, when asked in the Oval Office whether he had spoken to Putin recently, Trump replied, "I've learned some very interesting things. In the next few days, everyone will know." He added that there would be consequences if Putin and Zelensky didn't meet to end the war.
Russia hasn't commented on Trump's statements.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on 1/9 that the administration would consider response options this week, when asked about the possibility of sanctions against Russia.
"President Putin did the opposite of what he said. In fact, he increased the attacks. So, I think President Trump will consider all options," Bessent said.
Since returning to the White House, Trump has stepped up his mediation efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Trump held a summit with Putin on 15/8 in Alaska, and then met with European leaders and Zelensky at the White House on 18/8.
These events raised hopes for a direct meeting between Putin and Zelensky to discuss options for ending the war. Both leaders initially expressed willingness, however, subsequent developments suggest the prospects for peace talks are fragile.
Huyen Le (AFP, Reuters)
