Highlights of Putin’s statement after summit with Trump

US-Russia ties

“As is known, Russian-American summits have not been held for more than four years. This is a long time.

“The past period was very difficult for bilateral relations. And, let’s be honest, they have slid to the lowest point since the Cold War.

“And this is not good for our countries, or the world as a whole. Obviously, sooner or later, it was necessary to correct the situation, to move from confrontation to dialogue.

“And in this regard, a personal meeting of the heads of the two states was really overdue.”

On Ukraine

“As you well know and understand, one of the central issues has become the situation around Ukraine.

“We see the desire of the US administration and President Trump personally to facilitate the resolution of the Ukrainian conflict, his desire to delve into the essence and understand its origins.

“I have said more than once that for Russia, the events in Ukraine are associated with fundamental threats to our national security.

“Moreover, we have always considered and consider the Ukrainian people, I have said this many times, brotherly, no matter how strange that may sound in today’s conditions.

“We have the same roots and everything that is happening to us is a tragedy and a great pain.

“Therefore, our country is sincerely interested in putting an end to this. But at the same time, we are convinced that in order for the Ukrainian settlement to be sustainable and long-term, all the root causes of the crisis must be eliminated.

“All of Russia’s legitimate concerns must be taken into account, and a fair balance in the security sphere in Europe and the world as a whole must be restored.

“I agree with President Trump he spoke about this today that Ukraine’s security must, without a doubt, be ensured.

“We are ready to work on this. I would like to hope that the understanding we have reached will allow us to get closer to that goal and open the way to peace in Ukraine.

“We expect that Kyiv and the European capitals will constructively perceive all of this and will not create any obstacles.

“That they will not attempt to disrupt the emerging progress through provocation or behind-the-scenes intrigue.”

On business ties

“It is obvious that the Russian-American business and investment partnership has enormous potential. Russia and the United States have something to offer each other in trade, energy, the digital sphere, high tech and space exploration.

“Cooperation in the Arctic, resumption of interregional contacts, including between our Far East and the American West Coast, also seems relevant.

“I expect that today’s agreements will become a reference point not only for solving the Ukrainian problem, but will also launch the restoration of business-like, pragmatic relations between Russia and the United States.”

On relationship with Trump

“Overall we have established very good business-like and trusting contact with President Trump.

“And I have every reason to believe that by moving along this path, we can – the quicker the better – reach an end to the conflict in Ukraine.”