WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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AUTHOR:M.J. GDNUS
US President Donald Trump said he would not negotiate on behalf of Ukraine at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin today and would let Kiev decide whether to participate in territorial swaps with Russia.
Trump said his goal is for the two sides to begin negotiations, and any territorial swaps would be considered then.
“That will be discussed, but I have to let Ukraine make that decision, and I think they will make the right decision. But I’m not here to negotiate for Ukraine, I’m here to bring them to the table,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
Trump’s comments are likely to provide some reassurance to Ukraine, given concerns that the U.S.-Russia talks could freeze the conflict to Ukraine’s detriment.
Trump said Russia’s offensive in Ukraine is likely aimed at strengthening Putin’s position in any talks to end the war.
“I think they’re trying to negotiate. He’s trying to set the stage. In his head it helps him get a better deal. In reality it hurts him, but in his head it helps him get a better deal if they can keep killing,” he said.
The US president said he expected his meeting with Putin to be productive, given the role and the weakness of the Russian economy.
“He’s a smart man, he’s been at it for a long time, but I also… we get along, there’s a good level of respect on both sides, and I think, you know, something will come out of it,” he said.
Trump said it was a good sign that Putin was bringing business leaders from Russia, but he added that no deals could be made until the war is resolved.
“I like that because they want to do business, but they’re not doing business until we resolve the war,” he said.
