Overview

• Putin praised Trump as “a very courageous person” who survived two assassination attempts and lauded his commitment to ending the Ukraine war.
• He said bilateral relations are “beginning to level out” thanks to Trump’s efforts and described a stabilizing diplomatic climate.
• Speaking from Minsk, Putin expressed willingness to meet Trump in person, suggesting a summit could elevate their partnership.
• He announced Russia’s readiness for a new round of Ukraine peace talks, potentially in Istanbul, though time and venue have yet to be finalized.
• Trump called Putin’s comments “very nice” but at the NATO summit labeled him “misguided” and admitted the Ukraine crisis is harder to resolve than expected.