Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments about an alleged “conspiracy” involving Russia, China, and North Korea, dismissing the claim with sarcasm during a press conference in Beijing.
Putin said Trump “certainly has a sense of humor” when asked about the remarks. Trump had posted on social media asking someone to “send his regards to Putin and Kim Jong Un while they conspire against the United States.”
Putin described his relationship with Trump as “positive and based on mutual respect,” and recalled a friendly exchange they had during a ride in a shared limousine. However, he emphasized that there are currently no plans or preparations for a visit by Trump to Russia.
In a tongue-in-cheek comment, Putin said, “Everyone I met in China supports holding a summit in Alaska,” referring to a previous idea proposed by Trump.
Military situation in Ukraine
On the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Putin claimed that Russian forces are advancing successfully on all fronts. He said Ukrainian reserves are at “critical levels,” and that Kyiv’s troops are operating at less than 50% of their capacity.
He argued that Ukraine’s military is largely defensive at this stage, attempting to shift forces but with little effectiveness. Putin repeated the assertion that Russia’s actions are not about territorial conquest, but about defending the rights of Russian-speaking populations and ensuring Russia’s national security.
Possibility of meeting Zelensky
Putin said he remains open to a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but stressed that it would require serious preparation. He mentioned telling Trump that he would be willing to meet Zelensky in Moscow, but noted that Zelensky’s legal term has ended, casting doubt on the legitimacy of any talks with him.
Putin insisted that negotiations must lead to results and said Russia is willing to raise the level of its negotiating team if meaningful discussions are possible.
Strategic deals with China
Putin described his visit to China as productive, highlighting major agreements including the finalization of the long-awaited “Power of Siberia-2” gas pipeline to China.
He emphasized China’s role in the global economy, saying its rising energy demand opens the door for stronger cooperation. He also praised Chinese President Xi Jinping’s “Global Governance Initiative” as a timely effort to build trust and cooperation between nations.
Criticism of the West
Putin criticized Western sanctions and the freezing of Russian assets, warning that such actions undermine the global financial system. He argued that while the EU’s leading economies are stagnating, Asia is seeing continuous growth.
He claimed that Russia has never made its security dependent on control of Ukrainian territory, but it insists on protecting its own strategic interests.
Closing message
Putin ended the press conference by saying that Russia is open to dialogue, but not at the cost of its own national security.
“We are not against peace,” he said, “but we will not compromise on Russia’s strategic security interests.”
