Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on Friday that the ongoing war in Ukraine might never have happened if Donald Trump had remained US president. Speaking to Russian state media, Putin suggested that the 2020 US election was “stolen” from Trump, implying that the change in leadership led to the escalation of the conflict.
“I cannot but agree with him that if he had been president, if his victory had not been stolen from him in 2020, then perhaps there would not have been the crisis in Ukraine that arose in 2022,” Putin said, as reported by The Daily Mail.
His remarks reignite long-standing debates about the influence of US leadership on global conflicts and the potential diplomatic approach Trump might have taken if he had been re-elected.
Putin Praises Trump’s Leadership
Putin spoke highly of Trump, describing him as a “smart person” and “pragmatic.” He suggested that Trump’s pragmatic approach to diplomacy might have paved the way for negotiations, preventing the war that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The Russian president also reiterated Russia’s openness to negotiations, stating, “As for the issue of negotiations, we have always said, and I want to emphasize this once again, that we are ready for these negotiations on Ukrainian issues.” He added that any agreement would need to align with US economic interests, implying that Trump’s business-minded approach could have led to a peaceful resolution.
While Putin’s remarks signal his preference for Trump over the current administration, they also come at a time when Russia is struggling to gain significant ground in Ukraine, with prolonged battles and increasing Western support for Kyiv.
Contradictory Statements from Russia’s Foreign Ministry
Despite Putin’s remarks, Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a contradictory statement the same day. The ministry criticized Western nations for supplying arms to Ukraine and dismissed Ukraine’s government as illegitimate.
The ministry’s statement read, “Despite the increasingly loud talk about the need for peace talks, no practical actions indicating a real readiness for them on the part of Kyiv and the West are objectively observed.” It further claimed, “The issue of the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government is not being resolved.”
This contrast between Putin’s willingness for negotiations and his government’s dismissal of Ukraine’s legitimacy raises questions about Russia’s true stance on diplomatic resolutions.
Ukraine Responds: No Peace Talks Without Europe
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office swiftly rejected Putin’s claim, insisting that peace talks must include European representatives rather than being limited to a deal between Putin and Trump.
Ukraine has repeatedly stated that no agreement can be reached without the involvement of NATO allies and the European Union, which have provided financial and military assistance to Kyiv since the start of the war. Officials in Kyiv believe that any peace deal must be based on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, not just US-Russia negotiations.
Trump’s Position on the Ukraine War
Throughout his campaign, Trump has stated that he would impose tough sanctions on Russia while increasing arms supplies to Ukraine to pressure Putin into making a deal. However, his stance on Ukraine has been inconsistent, with some critics arguing that his admiration for Putin could lead to reduced US support for Kyiv.
Trump has claimed multiple times on the campaign trail that he could “end the war in 24 hours” if re-elected. However, he has not provided clear details on how he would accomplish this, leading to skepticism from both Republicans and Democrats.
His foreign policy approach has historically focused on negotiations and trade deals rather than military intervention, which could explain why Putin believes he would have been more open to diplomatic discussions with Russia.
Impact on the 2024 US Presidential Election
Putin’s remarks come at a critical time in US politics, as Trump campaigns for a potential return to the White House. The former president remains a leading Republican candidate for the 2024 election, and his stance on foreign policy, particularly on Ukraine, will be closely watched by both domestic and international leaders.
For voters, the question remains whether Trump’s leadership could have genuinely prevented the war or if his approach would have emboldened Russia’s ambitions. Many in Washington see Putin’s praise of Trump as an attempt to influence US politics, portraying Trump as a preferable leader for Moscow compared to Joe Biden.
What’s Next?
With the US presidential election approaching, Putin’s remarks are likely to fuel further debates about Trump’s foreign policy approach and its potential impact on global conflicts. As tensions remain high, the world is watching to see how US leadership could shape the future of the war in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Western nations continue to support Ukraine with military aid and diplomatic backing, reinforcing their commitment to preventing Russian expansion. Whether peace talks will emerge as a serious option remains uncertain, but it is clear that the war in Ukraine will remain a major issue in global politics.
