Putin viewed as ‘great competitor’ but still a US ‘adversary’ as Ukraine negotiations loom, Leavitt says
The Trump administration’s stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin has been a topic of discussion as negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine continue. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed this issue during a press conference, stating that the administration views Putin as both a “great competitor” and an “adversary” in the region.
Leavitt emphasized that President Donald Trump values good diplomatic relations with leaders around the world, while also being willing to call them out when necessary. She highlighted the importance of finding common ground and leading from a position of peace through strength, which she described as the president’s greatest strength.
In a recent announcement on Truth Social, Trump revealed that he had spoken to Putin on the phone and that they had agreed to begin negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. The two leaders also discussed the possibility of visiting each other’s nations and starting negotiations immediately. Trump appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of the CIA John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Ambassador Steve Witkoff as the leaders of the negotiations.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. Trump has expressed his intention to end the war if re-elected in 2024, claiming that it would not have occurred if he had been in office at the time.
Following the phone call with Putin, Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, describing the conversation as productive. Leavitt addressed questions about the absence of retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg from the list of officials leading the negotiations, assuring that he remains a crucial part of the team.
The Kremlin released a Russian-language readout of the phone call between Trump and Putin, inviting Trump to Moscow. While details about a potential visit were not disclosed, the dialogue between the two leaders appeared promising.
In a follow-up post on Truth Social, Trump expressed hope for positive results from the upcoming meeting in Munich, where Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the delegation. The focus of the discussions will be on ending the war and bringing peace to the region.
The initiation of peace negotiations comes on the heels of the return of Marc Fogel to the U.S. Fogel, a grade school teacher from Pennsylvania, was arrested in Russia in 2021 for possession of marijuana and sentenced to 14 years in prison. His release was secured by the U.S., and Trump personally welcomed him back at the White House.
As efforts to end the war in Ukraine progress, Trump remains optimistic about the outcome and is grateful for Putin’s cooperation in this endeavor. The administration is committed to achieving a successful conclusion to the conflict and ensuring peace for the people of Russia and Ukraine.
