Trump says could meet Putin 'very soon' as Saudi talks loom
The Hindu
Trump considers meeting Putin soon to discuss ending Ukraine war, while Zelenskyy fears weakened NATO if US support wanes.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday (February 16, 2025) he could meet "very soon" with Vladimir Putin, adding he believes his Russian counterpart genuinely wants to stop fighting in Ukraine.
"No time set, but it could be very soon," Mr. Trump told reporters, hours after Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to play down expectations of upcoming high-level talks in Riyadh on ending the war.
With Mr. Rubio set to lead a high-level American delegation at the discussions with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia's capital in the coming days, a flurry of diplomacy was taking place as the brutal Ukraine war nears its third anniversary.
Mr. Trump, addressing reporters after a flight on Air Force One, said his team has been speaking "long and hard" with Russian officials, including his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff whom the president said met with Mr. Putin for about three hours recently.
"I think he wants to stop fighting," Mr. Trump said of Mr. Putin.
Asked whether he believes Mr. Putin wants to seize the entirety of Ukraine, Mr. Trump said: "That was my question to him.
"If he's going to go on... that would have caused me a big problem," Mr. Trump added.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov praises U.S. President Donald Trump for acknowledging NATO support as a cause of war in Ukraine.
President Trump emphasizes reciprocal tariffs with India, stating "whatever you charge, I'm charging," during Fox News interview.
IAEA monitors Japan's Fukushima decommissioning, as Japan plans to increase reliance on nuclear power for energy needs.
Meta has announced their LlamaCon developer conference to be held on April 29
Brazilian President Lula da Silva faces plummeting popularity, economic challenges, and political opposition as he navigates his presidency.
North Korea criticizes US and allies for denuclearization efforts, vows to expand nuclear forces under Kim Jong Un.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to attend G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in South Africa, strengthening India's global engagement.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters calls for a reset in relationship with Cook Islands over China agreements.
President Trump orders firing of all remaining U.S. attorneys nominated by Biden, citing politicization of Department of Justice.
Man convicted for throwing pipe bomb at former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Judge denies restraining order against Elon Musk and DOGE, citing lack of evidence for legal harm.
Brazil's former President Bolsonaro charged with coup attempt, poisoning plot, and murder plan after 2022 election defeat.
Declining marriages and population in China pose economic and social challenges, with government policies failing to address root causes.