Putin Describes US-Russia Talks as 'First Step' in Reviving Relations

Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, evaluated the talks between the United States and Russia in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, March 1, as 'very positive' and considered it a 'first step' towards reviving relations with Washington. Officials from the two nuclear powers met on Tuesday in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, marking their first high-level meeting in over three years. During a visit to a drone manufacturing plant in St. Petersburg, Putin stated, 'I was informed about these negotiations. I assess them as very positive; a result has been achieved.' He added, 'In my opinion, we have taken the first step towards resuming cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.' Putin also mentioned that US President Donald Trump is receiving 'impartial information,' but did not elaborate further. However, he emphasized that to resolve disputes, including the Ukraine crisis, it is necessary to increase the level of trust between the two countries. Vladimir Putin also expressed his willingness to meet with Donald Trump, the President of the United States, but stressed that this meeting should be prepared in advance to reach mutually acceptable solutions, including on the issue of Ukraine. Trump dismissed concerns regarding Ukraine; a meeting with Putin is possible in the coming days. Since Trump took office last month, he has effectively abandoned the previous US administration's policy of isolating Russia. In a press conference on Tuesday, Trump accused Kyiv of 'starting the war' and stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky does not have much popularity. Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, expressed concern over the US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, viewing them as an attempt to end Vladimir Putin's years-long isolation. Zelensky stated in a press conference in Kyiv on Wednesday that these negotiations, attended by US Secretary of State Mark Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, could impact Ukraine's security. He also emphasized that Ukraine's security depends on Western support and called for real security guarantees from international partners. In response to Trump's remarks, which implicitly blamed Ukraine for starting the war, Zelensky said his country is ready for dialogue and negotiation but needs Western defense assistance. He also stressed that no agreement regarding the Ukraine war is possible without Kyiv's participation. In response to a question about Trump's request for compensation in exchange for US aid, he stated that he is willing to negotiate regarding Ukraine's mineral resources, but this discussion must be serious and accompanied by security guarantees.