US-Russia Relations Hanging by a Thread Amid Trump-Putin Claims

MOSCOW, Russia — The Kremlin warned Monday that relations between Russia and the United States are on the verge of collapse, following claims by former President Donald Trump regarding talks with President Vladimir Putin. During a media conference, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov expressed that diplomatic interactions are ‘balancing on the brink of a breakup’ as tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine persist.

Ryabkov highlighted that the war will continue until Ukraine halts its push for NATO membership and withdraws from regions currently under Russian control. He stated, ‘We need the new U.S. administration to understand that without addressing the root issues of the crisis in Ukraine, reaching an agreement will remain impossible.’

Following Trump’s comments on Air Force One, where he asserted that he had spoken with Putin, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said he would ‘neither confirm nor deny’ these reports. Trump emphasized the urgency of ending the war, expressing concern over the rising number of casualties among young soldiers.

‘I hate to see all these young people being killed,’ Trump said, adding, ‘We have to get that war ended.’ However, he refrained from detailing the number of conversations he has had with Putin, remarking, ‘I’d better not say.’

Trump’s assertions come at a critical time for international relations, as the Biden administration seeks clarity on the ongoing conflict which began three years ago. Keir Giles, a senior fellow at the Chatham House think-tank in London, suggested that the lack of a detailed peace plan from Trump raises questions about the feasibility of his statements.

‘It could be tempting to think that there’s a strategy involved. Yet, it appears that there isn’t a coherent plan yet,’ Giles told NBC News, predicting that more information may surface later this week when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends a high-profile event that U.S. officials are also expected to join.

Mike Waltz, serving as Trump’s national security adviser, stated over the weekend that U.S. officials will be discussing ways to facilitate peace talks between the two nations. He mentioned the possibility of sanctions and tariffs on Russia as a strategy to bring Putin to the negotiation table.

Zelenskyy recently asserted his readiness to engage in talks with Russia, provided he has assurances of unwavering support from the U.S. and Europe. He emphasized the necessity of meeting with Trump prior to any negotiations, warning that discussions about Ukraine should not occur without Ukrainian representation. ‘Otherwise, it will look like a dialogue about Ukraine without Ukraine,’ he said.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing concerns following a Russian drone attack late Sunday in Kyiv, which resulted in injuries and property damage. As the conflict escalates, both sides remain hesitant, underscoring the complexity of navigating international diplomacy amid intense military strife.