Moscow, October 2, 2026 – The Europe Today: Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he has maintained a fairly good and long-standing relationship with US President Donald Trump, while expressing appreciation for the American leader’s efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.
Speaking at the plenary session of the 23rd meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club on Thursday, Putin said his relationship with Trump had remained positive over many years.
“I have had a fairly good relationship with President Trump for many years,” Putin said, according to TASS.
The Russian president also expressed gratitude to Trump for his efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis, saying he believed the US president was sincere in pursuing efforts toward a settlement.
“I am grateful to him for his efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis and, as I have said many times, I am convinced that he is sincere in his efforts,” Putin said.
Putin’s remarks came during his address to the annual Valdai discussion, where he also addressed broader issues concerning international security, geopolitical developments and the changing international order.
The Russian president has repeatedly spoken about the importance of diplomatic efforts to address the Ukraine conflict, while Moscow and Washington continue to differ over the terms and framework for a possible settlement.
The comments also come amid ongoing international efforts and discussions concerning the prospects for resolving the conflict and reducing tensions surrounding the Ukraine crisis.
