© Sputnik / Kristina Kormilitsina
President Vladimir Putin spoke in an interview with Pavel Zarubin, the author of the program "Moscow. Kremlin. Putin" on the "Russia 1" television channel, about negotiations regarding the agreement in Ukraine, Vladimir Zelensky's ratings, and the prospects for joint projects with the USA he said.
According to the Russian leader, when it comes to the situation in Ukraine, unlike European leaders, Trump's hands are free.
"He doesn't just say what he thinks, he does what he wants. Well, that's the privilege of a leader of one of the great and powerful states. Russia and the USA need to take the first step to increase mutual trust to resolve the Ukraine conflict. The main solution to the conflict has not yet been discussed with Trump," Vladimir Putin said.
He noted that Trump's attempts to improve the political situation in Ukraine are more beneficial for Ukraine itself than for Russia. Russia is not against preserving Ukrainian statehood, but this territory should not be used as a hostile platform against Russia. Russia wants to achieve peace as soon as possible, and Zelensky is obstructing this goal.
"Zelensky has led himself into a dead end by prohibiting negotiations with Russia. Zelensky is avoiding negotiations for a peaceful agreement because as soon as the state of war is lifted, he will be forced to hold elections immediately. According to Russian data, Zelensky's ratings are twice as low as Zaluzhny's. Zelensky's chances of winning the elections are zero. Zelensky has become a factor in the disintegration of the army, society, and the state," the Russian leader noted.
"The current leader of the Kyiv regime is becoming a toxic figure for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as he gives senseless orders not from a military point of view but for political reasons. However, it is unclear what they are based on. This will lead to significant, unjustified, and catastrophic losses for the Ukrainian army," added the Russian president.
Putin also stated that Europe's attitude towards relations between Russia and the USA is neither emotional nor practical. Europe cannot demand anything from Russia.
"Perhaps no one here can demand anything, especially from Russia, let alone from anyone else. For thousands of years, they have demanded something from their vassals, and now they are demanding something from them. Therefore, they should sit at home with their demands and think about how they have reached this level in their lives. Europe is required to participate in the negotiation process regarding Ukraine. Europe itself has refused to negotiate with Russia; if they want to return, they are welcome. Some European leaders are struggling to backtrack on their promises to Kyiv without losing their prestige," explained the Russian leader.
Putin said that Trump's proposal to reduce defense spending is a good one.
"Russia and the USA could agree to reduce defense spending by 50 percent. China could join this initiative," said Vladimir Putin.
He emphasized that a potential agreement regarding underground resources between the USA and Ukraine would have no impact on Russia. The unique metal reserves in Ukraine still require assessment.
"Russia would be ready to offer the United States the opportunity to cooperate in the field of rare earth metals. Russia has more rare earth resources than Ukraine and is one of the leaders in rare earth reserves. Moscow is ready to cooperate with foreign partners in the field of rare earth metals, including in new areas," said Putin.
