Vladimir Putin has finally spoken up regarding Donald Trump’s imposition of sanctions on Russia, issuing a serious caution to the US President. The sanctions targeted Russia’s top two oil companies in an effort to compel Moscow to settle its differences with Ukraine. Despite a recent conversation between Trump and Putin that seemed to indicate warming relations, Trump admitted that significant progress had not been achieved.
Today, Putin responded with a somber message during an address at the Russian Geographical Society in Moscow, emphasizing the importance of dialogue over conflict. He stressed that engaging in conversation is always preferable to confrontation, disputes, or war, and reiterated Russia’s support for continuing dialogue.
In response to Trump’s statement that his discussions with Putin often lead nowhere, Putin warned of a strong retaliation if Ukraine were to launch Tomahawk missiles, advanced weapons developed by the US. Putin cautioned that Russia’s response would be forceful, even overwhelming, and urged Ukraine to carefully consider the consequences.
Regarding Trump’s shifting stance on Russia, his spokesperson Karoline Leavitt explained that the sanctions were a fulfillment of the President’s longstanding commitment. She mentioned Trump’s frustration with both Putin and the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the need for progress towards peace. Leavitt indicated that while a future meeting between the two leaders is not ruled out, it would require concrete and positive results to be considered worthwhile. The decision to impose further sanctions on Russia, she noted, would ultimately rest with the President.