‘Rational’ Trump, ‘toxic’ Zelensky, and ‘shackled’ EU: Key points from latest Putin interview

25 Feb, 2025  rt.com

The Russian president highlighted Moscow’s strategic positioning on economic, military, and diplomatic cooperation with Washington

©  kremlin.ru

 

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has shared his perspective on the policies of his US counterpart Donald Trump, the future of Ukraine’s statehood, and the potential role of Europe in the negotiation process.

In an interview with Russia 1 TV journalist Pavel Zarubin on Monday, Putin dismissed concerns over US-Ukraine resource agreements, criticized Zelensky’s leadership, and framed Trump’s policies as pragmatic and pro-American rather than beneficial to Moscow.

He also pointed out that European leaders are constrained by past commitments to Kiev, while Moscow remains open to economic cooperation with the US despite ongoing sanctions.

 

READ MORE: Trump says Putin treated him with ‘great respect’

Putin suggested that Trump sees Zelensky as an obstacle to stabilizing Ukraine and securing a peace deal: “Trump likely understands that Zelensky is a destabilizing factor. He wants to bring Ukrainians back together, consolidate its society, and create conditions for the survival of the Ukrainian state.”

Addressing claims that Trump’s position on Ukraine plays into Russia’s hands, Putin strongly disagreed: “In the current situation, strange as it may seem, we would be more interested in [Zelensky] sitting there and further corrupting the regime with which we are in an armed conflict. And from the point of view of strengthening Ukrainian statehood, it is necessary to act in a completely different direction – to bring to power those who will enjoy the trust of the people of Ukraine.”

The Russian president also commented on Trump’s political style, rejecting the notion that the US president acts based purely on emotion: “No, of course not. His actions are based on cold calculation and a rational approach to the situation.”

READ MORE: Putin weighs in on participation of EU states in Ukraine peace talks

 

 

 

He criticized Europe’s reaction to recent US-Russia diplomatic interactions, saying: “Their response was emotional and lacked practical meaning. Instead of addressing real issues, they focus on maintaining appearances.”

While dismissing demands by EU officials to have a say in Russia-US negotiations, Putin acknowledged that European involvement could be useful in broader discussions: “Their participation is welcome, of course. We never refused to engage with them.”

He also noted that Moscow values the efforts of non-European actors, such as BRICS nations, in promoting peace: “Not only Europeans but other countries as well have the right to participate, and we respect that.”

READ MORE: Russia ready to work with US on rare earths – Putin

 

 

 

Commenting on US trade policies, Putin criticized American sanctions but acknowledged that each country sets its own trade priorities: “For many years, US trade policy has been tied to sanctions. We consider these sanctions illegal and harmful to global trade.”

Regarding Trump’s shift toward tariffs, Putin said he understood the reasoning behind the move: “Each country determines independently what is beneficial… I can understand the logic – to move production back home, create jobs, force taxes to be paid… But at some point, of course, these actions will encounter certain difficulties associated with inflationary pressure.”

Putin also confirmed that “some Russian and American companies are in contact and discussing major projects” but did not specify details.

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