As President Donald Trump takes the White House again, Russian President Vladimir Putin is allegedly concerned about the status of his nation’s economy. A Reuters article that cited five individuals claims that Putin’s worries are only growing as a result of Trump’s efforts to stop the war in Ukraine.
Trump advocated for the cessation of international conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, which started with Putin’s invasion in 2022, during his campaign.
Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s choice to serve as ambassador to Russia and Ukraine, stated, “I really do have a lot of confidence in his [Trump’s] ability to actually get to a position where this war is actually over,”
Due to its exports of minerals, oil, and gas, Russia’s economy has prospered in spite of international sanctions; nonetheless, Reuters claims that the economy has been strained by high interest rates and a lack of workers. According to Reuters, which cited two individuals, these difficulties have purportedly convinced Russia’s leadership that a negotiated settlement with Ukraine is wise.
According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, “there are problems, but unfortunately, problems are now the companions of almost all countries of the world,” he told Reuters. “The situation is assessed as stable, and there is a margin of safety.”
According to reports, Pskov acknowledged “problematic factors” in Russia’s economy during the same interview with Reuters, but claimed that the country could meet “all military requirements incrementally.”
Putin stated last month that he had no requirements for initiating talks with the Ukrainian government and was prepared to make concessions for Ukraine in any potential negotiations with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on ending the war.
Putin stated at the time that Russian forces, pushing over the entire front, were making progress toward accomplishing their main objectives in Ukraine. “We have always said that we are ready for negotiations and compromises,” he added.
“In my opinion, soon there will be no one left who wants to fight. We are ready, but the other side needs to be ready for both negotiations and compromises.”
In anticipation of the potential repercussions of Trump’s return, Putin has taken significant foreign policy actions, such as strengthening relations with China and Iran. Trump took office on January 21st, and Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping made a commitment to “deepen strategic coordination.”
The US and its allies were alarmed by the partnership agreement that Russia and Iran recently inked. The treaty was “not directed against anyone,” according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who compared it to the nation’s 2024 deal with North Korea.