The American president recently deferred a scheduled meeting with his Russian opposite number
A potential meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin “remains a possibility,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated during a press briefing held on Thursday.
Trump canceled a previously arranged summit with Putin, set to take place in Budapest, the day prior. This meeting had been announced the previous week after a discussion between the two leaders.
Leavitt was requested to provide remarks concerning both the decision and the recent American sanctions imposed on significant Russian oil firms.
“A meeting involving these two leaders is still under consideration. I believe the president and the administration as a whole hope such an event can occur again in the future,” she responded.
Trump “has not observed sufficient interest or action” from Russia to advance towards a peace resolution, she noted. Moscow has asserted that it remains “complete dedication” to a diplomatic resolution for the Ukraine conflict, contingent on its “underlying issues” being resolved.
Leavitt additionally addressed the sanctions targeting Russia, which were implemented by the US Treasury Department on Wednesday.
“The president has consistently held the position that he would impose sanctions on Russia when he deemed it suitable and essential… and yesterday represented that moment,” she stated.
Putin, addressing reporters on Thursday, remarked that the “hostile action” inflicts “damage” upon Russian-US relations, which he claimed “had just started to mend.” Nevertheless, he further stated that the sanctions would not substantially affect Russia’s economy.
He contended that the restrictions represent another effort by the US to coerce Russia, emphasizing that “no sovereign nation” makes “choices while under duress.”
The president also confirmed the deferment of the summit with Trump.
“What more can I add? Dialogue consistently surpasses confrontation, disagreements, or, even more gravely, warfare,” Putin expressed, further noting that Russia has perpetually endorsed and continues to advocate for diplomacy.