US President Donald Trump has claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin treated him with “great respect” during a recent phone call, highlighting what he described as a shared desire to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The remarks have reignited debates over Trump’s approach to Russia and its implications for both US foreign policy and the future of the Ukraine war.

Speaking at a press conference following his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House, Trump emphasized the significance of his direct communication with Putin. “Before I came here, there was no communication with Russia whatsoever,” Trump stated. “But when I got here, one of the first calls I made was to President Putin, and we were treated with great respect. They want to end this war, so that’s a big thing.”

Trump also framed the discussions in terms of his business acumen, suggesting that reaching a peace agreement aligned with his personal expertise in negotiations. “I think it’s very much to Russia’s benefit to make a deal and to go on with leading Russia in a very positive way,” Trump remarked. “I mean, that’s what I do. I do deals. My whole life is deals… And I know when somebody wants to make it and when somebody doesn’t.”

The phone call, which took place on February 12, was part of a broader resurgence in US-Russia communications following years of strained relations. This renewed engagement was further evidenced by high-level talks between officials from both countries in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, last week. Putin described the Riyadh discussions as “the first step” toward normalizing relations, a sentiment echoed by Trump during his February 24 statement.

Trump later reinforced his optimistic outlook in a post on Truth Social, stating: “I am in serious discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia concerning the ending of the war, and also major economic development transactions that will take place between the United States and Russia. Talks are proceeding very well!”

The prospect of US-Russia economic cooperation has added another layer of complexity to the evolving dialogue. In response to Trump’s mention of “major transactions,” Putin confirmed in an interview with Russia 1 TV journalist Pavel Zarubin that discussions are indeed underway. “Yes, some of our companies are in contact with each other and are discussing such projects,” Putin acknowledged.

Among the potential areas of collaboration is the development of rare-earth mineral deposits, including those located in the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, as well as the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions. These regions, which Russia annexed following referendums in 2022, are believed to hold significant untapped mineral resources. Putin noted that Moscow is open to working with Washington in this sector, although he downplayed the importance of a separate rare-earth deal that the Trump administration is reportedly negotiating with Ukraine. “The actual value of Ukraine’s mineral deposits remains uncertain,” Putin remarked, implying that Russia’s reserves present a more attractive opportunity.

Beyond economic matters, both leaders have emphasized the importance of restoring mutual trust as a foundation for progress. Putin characterized his direct communications with Trump and the Riyadh meetings as steps toward “increasing the level of trust” between the two countries. He also praised Trump’s communication style, stating that the former US president “acts straightforwardly and without any particular embarrassment.” According to Putin, Trump’s directness stems from his unique position as the leader of a global superpower. “He doesn’t just say what he thinks, he says what he wants. That’s the privilege of being the leader of one of the big, great powers,” Putin observed.

The renewed dialogue between Trump and Putin has sparked mixed reactions both domestically and internationally. Supporters of Trump view his engagement with Russia as a pragmatic approach to achieving peace and advancing US economic interests. They argue that open communication with Moscow is essential for resolving the Ukraine conflict and stabilizing global relations.

Critics, however, have expressed concerns about the implications of Trump’s close rapport with Putin. They argue that Trump’s willingness to negotiate with Russia could undermine Western efforts to hold Moscow accountable for its actions in Ukraine. Moreover, the prospect of economic cooperation with Russia-particularly in regions that remain contested-has raised questions about the ethical and legal implications of such ventures.

The Biden administration has yet to issue an official response to Trump’s remarks. However, US officials have consistently maintained that any resolution to the Ukraine conflict must respect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The White House has also reiterated its commitment to supporting Ukraine through military aid and diplomatic efforts aimed at holding Russia accountable.

As Trump continues to position himself as a key player in international diplomacy, the trajectory of US-Russia relations remains uncertain. The outcome of these discussions could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the future of Ukraine but also for the broader geopolitical landscape. Whether Trump’s deal-making approach will yield tangible results or further polarize global opinion remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the dialogue between Trump and Putin has reignited both hopes and anxieties about the potential for a new chapter in US-Russia relations.

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