Putin Praises Trump as US-Russia Relations ‘Level Out’

Speaking during a press conference in Minsk, Putin expressed “great respect” for Trump and signalled openness to a future meeting.

“In general, thanks to President Trump, relations between Russia and the United States are beginning to level out in some ways,” Putin remarked, while acknowledging that challenges in diplomatic engagement remain.

Trump responded swiftly, describing Putin’s comments as “very nice” and suggesting that such recognition would have been unlikely under the previous administration. “He respects our country again. He didn’t respect it a year ago,” Trump stated at the White House.

The remarks follow a recent phone call between the two leaders in which they discussed the Middle East and Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine. Despite past tensions over the Ukraine conflict—with Trump having previously called Putin “absolutely crazy” over Russia’s actions—the latest exchange suggests a possible thaw.

Meanwhile, Putin also signalled Russia’s readiness to resume peace talks with Ukraine, potentially in Istanbul. Though the conflict continues to rage, he expressed hope that further dialogue could help bridge differences. Notably, he also offered to return the bodies of 3,000 Ukrainian soldiers.

With these developments, the prospect of renewed diplomacy appears on the horizon, albeit cautiously, as both global powers navigate a complex geopolitical landscape.