Trump: Putin “is destroying Russia” by failing to reach a war outcome agreement with Kiev

United States President Donald Trump says that by not negotiating an end to its war with Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin is going to destroy Russia”

“ (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelensky told me that he wants to reach a” agreement, President Trump told reporters Monday at the Oval Office, after his inauguration as 47th president of the United States. “I don't know if Putin wants it. Maybe you don't, I don't know. He has to make a deal. I think it's destroying Russia by not making a” deal.

“I think Russia will have major problems”, President Trump added. “Look at the economy, look at the inflation in Russia... I agreed with him and I hope he wants to make a deal”.

The re-elected president of the United States also said he wants to meet Russian President Putin soon, but that a date for the meeting has not been set yet.

Just hours before Mr. Trump's inauguration ceremony Monday, Mr. Putin told the Russian Security Council through a televised speech that he is open for talks with the new US administration about war in Ukraine and nuclear weapons.

We are seeing statements from the newly elected president of the United States and members of his cabinet regarding their will to establish direct contacts with Russia”, said Mr. Putin, according to Reuters news agency.

We are also hearing his statement about the need to do whatever is possible to prevent World War III. We naturally welcome this stance and commend the President-elect of the United States of America for the beginning of the” mandate, he added. /voa