‘Politics not relationship’ – Putin dismisses jealousy over Trump-Xi meeting

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed questions about his feelings towards the recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. During a press conference, Putin was asked if he was “jealous” of the US-China summit and the potential trilateral discussion during the APEC summit. He dismissed the notion, stating that such feelings belong to a different realm, unrelated to politics.

The Russian leader emphasized that in international politics, jealousy or personal relationships do not play a role. Putin expressed his support for the US-China negotiations and any mutually beneficial agreement, underscoring that Russia and China are two of the world’s largest economies, with decisions from either nation significantly impacting global affairs.

He remained uncertain about his participation in the upcoming APEC summit in China, asserting that domestic matters in Russia would dictate his travel plans. Regarding allegations from European leaders, Putin accused them of deceiving their citizens with claims of a Russian attack, dismissing these concerns as “complete nonsense.”

He also criticized Estonia’s new Defence Minister for proposing military mobilisation, mocking Estonia’s small population compared to the size of the Russian army. Speaking about the conflict in Ukraine, Putin indicated that while talks for a solution were ongoing, Moscow would make decisions based on its own interests and the terms deemed acceptable.

He hinted at a potential return to diplomacy with Ukraine following the recent parliamentary elections but claimed that Ukraine had targeted polling stations in Moscow. The president linked the recent increase in tensions to strikes on civilian facilities, including warehouses belonging to Wildberries and Ozon, stating that Russia began its response to these actions.