Putin: The United States Shows Serious Intentions to Resolve the Ukraine Crisis

SadaNews - The Kremlin announced that President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with senior leadership, the presidential administration, and the cabinet on the eve of his summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, where he praised Washington's efforts for resolution.

Putin stated in the meeting: "We are gathered today to update you on the progress of the negotiation process concerning the Ukrainian crisis, and the state of bilateral negotiations with the Ukrainian delegation. In any case, many present are informed, and I will provide you with details later... this is the first point."

He continued: "I will inform you about the stage we have reached with the U.S. administration, which is making, from my perspective, earnest and sincere efforts to stop the fighting, end the crisis, reach agreements that satisfy all parties involved, and create the necessary conditions for lasting peace between our countries."

Putin also did not rule out that the next phase of communications with the United States could involve the "START" treaty on strategic offensive nuclear arms.

Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed earlier today that the meeting between the two presidents will begin on Friday at 10:30 PM Moscow time with a bilateral meeting attended by translators.

He added that following the meeting, Putin and Trump will hold a joint press conference for the media.

He pointed out the symbolic nature of the summit location near the memorial site for Soviet pilots who fell alongside their American counterparts in World War II, which Russia commemorated the victory of in May.

He noted that the main topic of the meeting between the presidents will be resolving the Ukrainian crisis and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.

He stated: "Cooperation between Russia and the United States holds enormous untapped potential."

Ushakov speculated at the end of his remarks that the next meeting between Putin and Trump might be held in Russia.

The Russian delegation will include presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, and the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev.