US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a press conference after the end of an important summit in Anchorage, Alaska, USA on the afternoon of August 15, local time (around 6:00 a.m. on August 16, Vietnam time).
Normally, when the US President welcomes a foreign partner, the joint press conference will begin with a speech by the US leader, followed by a guest.
However, at a press conference in Anchorage, President Vladimir Putin opened a press conference in front of President Donald Trump.
The Russian president began his speech at the press conference by admitting that Russia-US relations have encountered many obstacles in recent years.
"It has been four years without a summit between Russia and the US. It's been a long time. This period of time is very difficult for bilateral relations. And to be honest, the relationship has hit its lowest level since the Cold War. I think that is not beneficial to our country and the whole world, the Russian leader stressed.
President Putin added: "A private meeting between heads of state has long been expected."
The talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump took place in a constructive and mutually respectful atmosphere.
"Our negotiations took place in a good-will atmosphere, constructive and mutually respectful, very meticulous and useful," he said.
President Putin respectfully welcomed President Trump's invitation to Alaska. He said the summit here was reasonable "because our two countries, although the oceans are apart, are actually close neighbors."
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he agreed that Ukraine's security needs to be guaranteed. "I agree with US President Donald Trump that Ukraine's security must be guaranteed, and of course, we are ready to cooperate for that," Putin said.
"I hope that the agreement we have reached together will help us get closer to that goal and will pave the way for peace in Ukraine," the Russian leader shared.
President Vladimir Putin said that the main causes of the conflict must be eliminated to end the conflict in Ukraine. "The situation in Ukraine is related to fundamental threats to our security," he said.
Affirming Russia's interest in ending the conflict in Ukraine, President Putin emphasized: "We believe that to solve the problem long-term and sustainably, we need to eliminate all the roots and root causes of that conflict."
"It is necessary to consider all legitimate concerns of Russia and restore a fair security balance in Europe and around the world. And I agree with President Trump, as he said today, that Ukraine's security also needs to be guaranteed," the Russian leader added.
"We are ready to cooperate on this issue. I hope that the agreement we have reached together will help us get closer to that goal and pave the way for peace in Ukraine," Putin said.
At a press conference in Anchorage, Alaska, President Vladimir Putin also called on Ukrainian and European leaders not to intervene, recognizing the process that Russia and the US have achieved in a constructive way and will not create any obstacles.
