Press Conferences Back-to-Back on the Same Day
Putin "Ready to Meet Trump"
Zelensky "Need Allies... Difficult Without the US"
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky each held press conferences on the 19th (local time) and expressed their willingness to engage in talks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
President Putin stated at the annual press conference held at Gostiny Dvor in Moscow, Russia, "I don't know when I will meet him (Trump), but I am ready."
He also said, "I have always said I am ready for dialogue and negotiations, but Ukraine has refused to negotiate," adding, "There will be much to discuss if I meet Trump."
President Putin held the press conference for over four hours, showing confidence by stating that the Russian military's defense capabilities are the best in the world and that the economic situation is stable. With President-elect Trump, who is pressing for an early end to the Ukraine war, set to take office on January 20 next year, the tide of the conflict is leaning toward Russia. This explains his relaxed attitude.
The external situation also seems to be turning in Russia's favor. According to a Bloomberg report citing sources on the same day, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orb?n told European Union (EU) leaders to postpone the decision on extending sanctions against Russia until Trump takes office. Extending sanctions requires unanimous consent from member states, meaning Hungary could exercise its veto power.
On the same day, President Zelensky, attending the EU summit held in Brussels, Belgium, appeared desperate. At the press conference, he said, "President-elect Trump is a 'strong man,' and I really hope he will stand on our side," adding, "This is very important to me." He appealed emotionally, saying, "Before being a politician or businessman, we are all humans with the same feelings and values, so I expect him to understand that."
The EU also supported President Zelensky's remarks that day. In a joint statement from the 27 EU countries at the summit, it was specified that "no plans related to Ukraine should be decided without Ukraine's (consent)." Ant?nio Costa, the permanent chair of the EU summit, said, "Whatever happens, we will support Ukraine."
Meanwhile, President Zelensky arrived in Brussels the previous day and visited NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte's residence, holding a dinner meeting with key NATO and EU leaders. This has been interpreted as NATO and the EU preparing countermeasures ahead of President-elect Trump's inauguration.
However, there is analysis that Germany and France, the two major EU countries, are focusing on domestic issues and find it difficult to concentrate on diplomacy, and NATO, heavily influenced by the U.S., may not come up with effective measures. Before attending the EU summit that day, President Zelensky also said, "It is difficult to support Ukraine without help from the United States."
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