The Kremlin stated on Monday (November 17th) that they hope to hold another summit between Russian President Putin and US President Trump as soon as necessary preparations are completed.
The last meeting between Putin and Trump took place in August at a summit in Alaska where they discussed a possible resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
Last month, the two leaders announced plans to hold a summit in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. However, Trump soon after canceled the plan, citing that he believed the timing was not right.
When asked on Monday whether Russia had missed an opportunity and under what conditions a new Trump-Putin summit could take place, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, “It’s difficult for us to predict when those conditions might arise. Though, of course, we all hope for those conditions to emerge as soon as possible.”
Peskov stated that both Russia and the US agree that in order for the summit to be productive, thorough preparation is essential.
He told reporters, “Therefore, once the preparations are completed and the conditions are in place for holding the summit, we hope it can take place.”
President Trump reiterated his disappointment with Putin when he announced the cancelation of the Budapest summit last month. He said, “Every time I have a conversation with Vladimir (Putin), it’s a very good conversation, but then nothing happens afterwards.”
On October 22nd, President Trump imposed sanctions on Russia for the first time during his second term in response to the Ukraine issue, targeting Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil.
Trump stated on Sunday that Republicans in the US are working on legislation aimed at imposing sanctions on any country doing business with Russia. Peskov expressed strong dissatisfaction with this move, saying it would greatly upset Russia.
The Kremlin spokesman stated, “We will see how this bill progresses and what details it involves. Of course, we have a very negative view on this.”
Trump has significantly increased tariffs on Indian goods, citing India’s purchase of Russian oil. Russia has claimed that this action is equivalent to illegal trade pressure.
(Original information references Reuters)