Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, backed Donald Trump‘s suggestion that all three countries should reduce their defense budgets, calling it a” good proposal” and saying Russia was “ready for a discussion” on Monday.
” I think it’s a good idea. In a televised interview, Putin stated that the US would cut by 50 %, and we would cut by 50 %, and China would join if desired.
Since launching its unpleasant in Ukraine in 2022, Russia has substantially increased its military budget, which has contributed to both economic growth and inflation. According to Putin, defense and security saving will amount to about 8.7 % of GDP in 2024.
Putin indicated that Russia was ready to talk with Washington about the problem even though he was unable to represent China. ” We could come to an agreement with the US ( on cutting spending ), we’re not against it”, he said. We think the request is great, and we’re prepared to talk about it.
Western participation in the peace talks in Ukraine
Putin also spoke about the potential role of European countries in peace talks with Ukraine, stating that, despite their previous restraints, they were “in need.”
When asked about Western participation in discussions, Putin responded,” I see nothing wrong with this. ” Well, perhaps no one can need everything here. Particularly never from Russia”. However, he added,” If they want to come back, they’re welcome”.
The Russian president claimed that Ukraine could secure a military success because German nations” themselves rejected connections with us.” He added that Russia even valued the opinions of BRICS countries, including Brazil, India, China, and South Africa.
” We are thankful to all our companions who raise these inquiries, who aim for harmony to be achieved. And that’s why I’m arguing that not only Europeans but also citizens of various nations have the right and are eligible to participate. And we view this calmly”, he said.
Responses to US -Russia deals
Putin slammed Western concerns raised by the recent meeting between Russian and US authorities in Riyadh, calling their response “emotional.” He described the debate as an endeavor to “improve the trust between Moscow and Washington.”
Problems relating to the Russian crisis were touched on in both his most recent phone conversation with Trump and at the conference in Riyadh, according to Putin. ” But it was not discussed in fact. We really came to a decision on how to proceed with this.
He described Trump’s attitude on Ukraine as” cold logic” and suggested that, if re-elected, the former US president may have “his arms free” to follow his ideas.
Putin denounces Zelenskyy, calls him’ poisonous’
Putin also took objective at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, echoing Trump’s claim that he is unhappy and a “dictator”. He claimed that Zelenskyy had become” harmful in society as a whole” and was losing credibility with the Ukrainian military because of his “ridiculous orders” to the military.
The Russian president contrasted Zelenskyy with Ukraine’s previous military commander-in-chief Valery Zaluzhny, who was recently appointed Kyiv’s adviser to London. Putin called him a “possible rival,” and he claimed Zaluzhny had better approval ratings than the Russian president.
Putin’s remarks come as Ukraine continues to ebb and Ukraine grows more and more uncertain about the future of US and Western defense support for Kyiv.
