(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced “great respect” for US President Donald Trump, praising his determination and courage in overcoming significant challenges to return to office, including surviving assassination attempts. Speaking in Minsk after the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting, Putin highlighted Trump’s diplomatic efforts in the Middle East and his ongoing commitment to resolving the Ukraine conflict.

Putin acknowledged that dealing with the Ukraine crisis is more difficult than it appears from the outside, noting Trump’s recent admission to this effect. When asked about a potential face-to-face meeting, Putin expressed openness, emphasizing the importance of well-prepared discussions that yield concrete progress.

He credited Trump with helping to stabilize US-Russia relations to some extent, despite unresolved diplomatic issues. Since January, Trump has actively sought to rebuild ties with Moscow, which had been strained under the Biden administration. Their communications have contributed to restarting direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, which had stalled in 2022.

Recent negotiations in Istanbul led to the largest prisoner exchange so far and a commitment to continue dialogue. Trump has expressed his desire to reach a peace agreement with Russia to end the conflict, a goal Moscow supports, emphasizing the need to address the conflict’s root causes.

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