Fri Jan 24 22:23:34 IST 2025: ## Putin Offers Talks with Trump on Ukraine, Kyiv Warns Against Exclusion
**MOSCOW/KYIV** – Amidst ongoing hostilities, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his willingness to negotiate with former US President Donald Trump regarding the Ukraine conflict. Putin praised Trump as a “smart and pragmatic man,” suggesting that Trump’s presidency might have prevented the 2022 invasion. However, he offered no specifics on the timing or format of such talks, and the Kremlin stated they await further signals from Washington. Trump has publicly stated his willingness to meet with Putin immediately and has threatened significant economic sanctions against Russia if the conflict isn’t resolved swiftly.
This announcement has been met with immediate pushback from Kyiv. Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s presidential office, strongly criticized the potential for negotiations excluding Ukraine, stating, “Putin needs to come back to reality.”
The ongoing conflict continues to escalate. Russian attacks near Kyiv resulted in three deaths and several injuries, while Ukraine launched a drone attack targeting several Russian regions, including Moscow. Both sides have reported damage to infrastructure and facilities. Trump’s suggestions that lower oil prices could end the conflict were dismissed by Putin as detrimental to the American economy. The situation remains tense, with no clear path toward de-escalation despite Trump’s earlier pronouncements.
First Piper 