US President Donald Trump welcomed the "broad areas of agreement" with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, but gave no details on how this surprisingly friendly meeting would affect the war in Ukraine.
At the air base in Alaska, Trump rolled out the red carpet for Putin, who set foot on Western soil for the first time since ordering the invasion of Ukraine. The US head of state even said he was considering a visit to Moscow soon, and the two leaders once again declared themselves partners.
However, Trump and Putin did not answer questions during their brief appearance in front of hundreds of journalists. The US president, who usually likes to give extensive press conferences, spoke only briefly about the progress made, AFP reported.
"We had an extremely productive meeting and agreement was reached on many issues. Only a few remain, some of which are not so significant, and one is probably the most important. But we have a very good chance of getting there. We didn't get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there," Trump said.
Putin described the negotiations with his American counterpart as "constructive" and "in an atmosphere of mutual respect."
The Russian leader spoke of the need for cooperation between the US and Russia, as well as of the progress achieved in general terms.
"We hope that the understanding we have reached will pave the way for peace in Ukraine," he said.
Putin said he hoped Ukrainians and Europeans would choose not to "interfere" with the peace process.
He also warned against "attempts to undermine the progress achieved through provocations or behind-the-scenes intrigues."
The Russian president explained that Russia is "sincerely interested in ending" the conflict in Ukraine, but called for Moscow's "legitimate concerns" to be taken into account.
"I have said many times that for Russia, the events in Ukraine are linked to fundamental threats to our national security," he noted.
Putin stressed that "a fair balance must be restored in the sphere of security in Europe and the world as a whole."
"I would like to thank Trump for his friendly tone," he said, adding that "both sides must be results-oriented."
Putin also offered to host Trump in Moscow, extending an explicit invitation during their press conference.
"Next time in Moscow," Putin said to Trump in English after the US president said, "We'll probably see each other again very soon."
"Oh, that's interesting. I'll have to overcome some difficulties, but I think it's possible," Trump replied.
The red carpet was in stark contrast to the US president's rebuke of his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky during their meeting at the White House in February.
However, Trump explained that he would soon consult with Zelensky, as well as with NATO leaders, about his talks with the Russian leader, which lasted about three hours. | BGNES
Trump and Putin have "constructive" talks, but no agreement on Ukraine
US President Donald Trump welcomed the "broad areas of agreement" with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, but gave no details on how this surprisingly friendly meeting would affect the war in Ukraine.
At the air base in Alaska, Trump rolled out the red carpet for Putin, who set foot on Western soil for the first time since ordering the invasion of Ukraine. The US head of state even said he was considering a visit to Moscow soon, and the two leaders once again declared themselves partners.
However, Trump and Putin did not answer questions during their brief appearance in front of hundreds of journalists. The US president, who usually likes to give extensive press conferences, spoke only briefly about the progress made, AFP reported.
"We had an extremely productive meeting and agreement was reached on many issues. Only a few remain, some of which are not so significant, and one is probably the most important. But we have a very good chance of getting there. We didn't get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there," Trump said.
Putin described the negotiations with his American counterpart as "constructive" and "in an atmosphere of mutual respect."
The Russian leader spoke of the need for cooperation between the US and Russia, as well as of the progress achieved in general terms.
"We hope that the understanding we have reached will pave the way for peace in Ukraine," he said.
Putin said he hoped Ukrainians and Europeans would choose not to "interfere" with the peace process.
He also warned against "attempts to undermine the progress achieved through provocations or behind-the-scenes intrigues."
The Russian president explained that Russia is "sincerely interested in ending" the conflict in Ukraine, but called for Moscow's "legitimate concerns" to be taken into account.
"I have said many times that for Russia, the events in Ukraine are linked to fundamental threats to our national security," he noted.
Putin stressed that "a fair balance must be restored in the sphere of security in Europe and the world as a whole."
"I would like to thank Trump for his friendly tone," he said, adding that "both sides must be results-oriented."
Putin also offered to host Trump in Moscow, extending an explicit invitation during their press conference.
"Next time in Moscow," Putin said to Trump in English after the US president said, "We'll probably see each other again very soon."
"Oh, that's interesting. I'll have to overcome some difficulties, but I think it's possible," Trump replied.
The red carpet was in stark contrast to the US president's rebuke of his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky during their meeting at the White House in February.
However, Trump explained that he would soon consult with Zelensky, as well as with NATO leaders, about his talks with the Russian leader, which lasted about three hours. | BGNES