NEW DELHI: In a recent statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine might not have erupted had current U.S. President Donald Trump remained in power. Speaking candidly, Putin claimed that Trump’s approach to foreign policy and diplomacy could have averted the war that has now raged for nearly a year.
Putin remarked, “I think that the ‘special operation’ (Russia’s invasion of Ukraine) would not have happened if Trump were in office.” This comment highlights Putin’s belief that Trump’s leadership style, which was characterized by a more direct and transactional approach to global issues, could have prevented the escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
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The Russian leader made these comments during an interaction with the Russian press, where he emphasized Trump’s pragmatic approach to international relations. According to Putin, the current U.S. president maintained a straightforward manner of handling foreign policy, which could have led to a different outcome in Ukraine.
Putin’s comments came as part of a broader discussion about the Western response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He criticized the current U.S. administration, led by former President Joe Biden, for its support of Ukraine and its imposition of sanctions on Russia. Putin expressed that such policies had exacerbated tensions, leading to further escalation in the region.
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The Russian president went on to say that, in his view, the 2020 U.S. election results had a significant impact on global geopolitics. He suggested that the chaotic aftermath of the elections and the ensuing political instability in the U.S. contributed to a shift in the global power dynamic, ultimately enabling the conflict in Ukraine.
Putin’s comments have stirred mixed reactions, particularly in the U.S., where there is ongoing debate over the nature of Trump’s relationship with Russia. While Trump has often been criticized for his perceived leniency towards Putin, the current U.S. president has consistently denied any improper ties with the Russian leader.
