Trump, Putin Confirm That Economic Cooperation Is Also on the Agenda

Feb. 27—Earlier this week, both President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin made remarks to the press confirming that the U.S. and Russia are also discussing areas of possible economic cooperation as part of their dialogue to normalize relations.

It began with Trump’s comments to journalists after his Monday, Feb. 24 meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to RT:

“Before I came here, there was no communication with Russia whatsoever… But when I got here, one of the first calls I made was to President Putin, and we were treated with great respect. They want to end this war, so that’s a big thing…. I think it’s very much to Russia’s benefit to make a deal and to continue leading Russia in a very positive way. I mean, that’s what I do. I do deals. My whole life is deals…. And I know when somebody wants to make it and when somebody doesn’t.”

Trump was asked about his plans to visit Moscow: “If all this gets settled down, which I think it will, sure, I would go there, and he’d come here too.” Asked if he might attend Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9, Trump said that was “pretty soon,” but that a visit would occur “at the appropriate time.” (Planning is in the advanced stages for a meeting between the two in Saudi Arabia, perhaps as soon as next week.)

Trump later posted on Truth Social: “I am in serious discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia concerning the ending of the war, and also major economic development transactions that will take place between the United States and Russia. Talks are proceeding very well!”

Later that day, President Putin was answering questions from Russian TV journalist Pavel Zarubin, who asked: “By the way, a few minutes ago I read another piece of news from the U.S.: President Trump stated that the U.S. and Russia are discussing major economic projects as part of negotiations on Ukraine.” To which Putin responded: “Yes, some of our companies are in contact with each other and are discussing such projects.”

Earlier in the interview Putin had commented on the prospects for cooperation on rare and rare-earth minerals between the two countries.