I would say they are pragmatic and trusting relations. I can’t help but agree with him that if his victory had not been stolen in 2022, then maybe there would not have been the crisis in Ukraine that arose in 2022.

Putin has said repeatedly that he is prepared to negotiate an end to the war, which first began in 2014, but that Ukraine would have to accept the reality of Russian territorial gains, which are currently about 20% of its land. He also refuses to accept Ukraine joining Nato, the military alliance of Western countries.

Donald J. Trump’s promise to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine in 24 hours, “before I even become president,” proved to be untrue.