Putin: Our relations have fallen to the lowest level since the Cold War; sooner or later we had to move from conflict to dialogue

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the situation surrounding Ukraine was a key topic of his summit with US President Donald Trump , saying, "I hope that the understanding we reached with Trump will lead to achieving our goal and achieving peace in Ukraine." Putin also said, " The past period was quite difficult for bilateral relations. Our relations have fallen to their lowest level since the Cold War. This is not good for our countries or the world. Sooner or later, we had to fix the situation and move from conflict to dialogue. In this context, a face-to-face meeting between the two heads of state was truly needed."

Putin and Trump held a joint press conference at Elmendorf-Richardson Air Base in Anchorage, Alaska, following their "Pursuit of Peace" themed "three-on-three" meeting.

Speaking at the meeting, Putin said regarding the summit, "Our meeting with US President Trump was constructive, mutually respectful and beneficial."

"It makes sense for us to meet here, after all, we are actually close neighbors."

Putin expressed his gratitude to Trump for inviting him to Alaska, saying, "It makes perfect sense for us to meet here. After all, our countries, though separated by oceans, are actually close neighbors. When I got off the plane, I said to Trump, 'Good day, my dear neighbor. It's great to see you healthy and alive.' Only the Bering Strait separates us."

Underlining that Alaska is linked to an important part of the shared history of Russia and the United States, Putin recalled that an airline was established here during World War II under the "Lend-Lease" agreement for the shipment of warplanes, aircraft and military equipment.

"We will not forget the historical examples of our countries defeating common enemies together and providing each other with support, in the spirit of military comradeship and alliance. I am confident that this legacy will help us to re-establish and build mutually beneficial, equal relations on a new stage, even in the most difficult circumstances," Putin said.

"The partnership between Russia and the US has great potential"

Addressing Russia-US relations, Putin stated that high-level talks had not been held for over four years, a period that was long. He said, "The past period was quite difficult for bilateral relations. Our relations have fallen to their lowest level since the Cold War. This is not good for our countries or the world. Sooner or later, we needed to rectify the situation and move from conflict to dialogue. In this context, a face-to-face meeting between the two heads of state was truly necessary."

Putin stated that he and Trump have had "very good" direct interaction and have spoken on the phone several times, noting that Trump's Special Representative for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff , has visited Russia several times and that the two countries' foreign ministers and their aides are in constant contact.

Putin said, "With the new US administration coming to power, bilateral trade volume has begun to increase. This is a symbolic increase. However, bilateral trade volume has still increased by 20 percent. We have many interesting areas for joint work. It's clear that the partnership between Russia and the US in trade and investment has great potential. The two countries have much to offer each other in areas such as trade, energy, digital and high technology, and space. "

Putin stated that they could also work with the US on the Arctic, emphasizing the importance of reestablishing interaction between regions including Russia's Far East and the US West Coast. "It's important for our countries to turn a new page and return to cooperation," Putin said. "We must do this."

"Ukraine's security must be ensured"

Putin provided information about the content of his meeting with Trump, saying, "The situation surrounding Ukraine was one of the main topics of the summit. We see that the US administration and Trump are making efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis and want to understand the essence and roots of the crisis."

Vladimir Putin continued:

What's happening in Ukraine is linked to fundamental threats to our security. Rather, we have seen and continue to see the Ukrainian people as brothers and sisters. Our roots are one. Everything that has happened is a tragedy and a pain for us. Therefore, our country is in favor of ending it. However, a solid and long-term solution to the Ukrainian issue requires addressing the root causes of the crisis, addressing all of Russia's legitimate concerns, and achieving a fair balance in the security sphere in Europe and the world.

Pointing out that Trump raised issues related to Ukraine's security, Putin said, "I agree with what Trump said today. Ukraine's security must be ensured. Of course, we are ready to work on this issue. I hope that the understanding we reached with Trump will lead to achieving our goal and establishing peace in Ukraine."

Putin said he hoped that Ukraine and European countries would "constructively accept all this and not try to obstruct the progress that is taking place through provocations or behind-the-scenes intrigues."

"It is important for both sides to be results-oriented"

Thanking Trump for their joint work, Putin said:

It's important for both sides to be results-oriented. We see that the US President knows what he wants to do, sincerely cares about his country's well-being, and also understands Russia's national interests. I hope that the agreements we reached today will be both fundamental to resolving the Ukraine issue and the beginning of reestablishing pragmatic, business-oriented relations between Russia and the US. I believe that by continuing on this path, we can bring the conflict in Ukraine to a swift end. (AA)