Putin to Trump: Disappointments stem from exaggerated expectations

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Russian leader made statements regarding US President Donald Trump's recent remarks and the Russia-Ukraine War. Commenting on Trump's description of Russia's recent attacks on Ukraine as "nonsense" and a "terrible situation," Putin said, "Disappointments stem from people's exaggerated expectations. This is a well-known rule," before moving on to discuss the peace negotiations held in Istanbul.

"WE HAVE POSITIVE EXPECTATIONS"

Putin said, "These meetings are truly important, especially when they are held with a desire for peace. This is a well-known expression. However, for us to approach the issue peacefully, we need comprehensive discussions. We should have carried this out within the scope of a quiet and calm negotiation process, not in a public, open place. In general, the reaction of the Ukrainian side was positive. We sat at the table with an attitude ready to conduct negotiations without cameras, away from political noise pollution, and ready to reach an agreement. I would like to remind you that even though we did not achieve any results from the negotiations, according to our first impression, Ukraine's reactions were positive. We have positive expectations regarding the continuation of the process."

"OUR FOCUS IS TO ELIMINATE THE MAIN FACTORS THAT CAUSED THE CRISIS"

Regarding whether the ceasefire conditions announced by Russia last year are still valid, Putin said, "Yes, there has been no change in the conditions. In fact, these are not even conditions; they are Russia's goals. They were telling us that Russia's goals were not clear. We worked together with the leadership of the Russian Foreign Ministry to develop these points. Everything is clear. Our focus is to eliminate the main factors that caused this crisis," he said.

"WE NEED A LONG-TERM PEACE"

The Russian President stated, "Humanitarian issues in Ukraine, and even in a broader framework, security issues in Ukraine, are aimed at ensuring appropriate conditions for the Russian language in the region, the freedom of Russian-speaking people, and the development of the Orthodox Church. We need a long-term, reliable peace that covers these topics as well. A peace is needed that will satisfy Russia and Ukraine, guarantee the security of both countries, and have solid foundations."

"WE HAVE GAINED MOMENTUM AGAINST UKRAINE"

Putin also touched upon the statement made yesterday by the Russian Ministry of Defense regarding the capture of the Ukrainian city of Chasiv Yar, stating, "Russia is not occupying foreign territories; it is taking back what is its own. Our armed forces have gained momentum, and our soldiers are advancing against Ukraine along the entire front line."

In his statement, Putin also noted that the Oreshnik hypersonic missile system, which has nuclear capabilities and can strike targets thousands of kilometers away, has entered mass production and has been added to the Russian army's arsenal.

In a previous statement, Putin had indicated that the conventional form of this weapon could cause damage equivalent to a low-yield nuclear explosion. Russia used Oreshnik missiles for the first time on November 21, 2024, targeting the city of Dnipro in eastern Ukraine.