Putin Agrees to Halve Russia's Defense Budget After Trump's Bold Proposal, But Demands Major Concessions from U.S.

Moscow: It is very rare to see Russia and America agree on any issue. But Russian President Putin has supported a suggestion of US President Donald Trump. Actually Trump had suggested that Russia, America and China should cut their defense budget by 50 percent. Putin called it a good proposal and said that Russia is ready to discuss it. Putin said in an interview, 'I think this is a good idea. America will cut 50 percent and we will cut 50 percent, and then China can also join if it wants. Russia has increased its military spending significantly since launching an attack on Ukraine in 2022, which has led to economic growth but also increased inflation. Putin said that defense and security spending will be about 8.7 percent of GDP in 2024. However, Putin avoided speaking on behalf of China. Putin has indicated that he is ready to negotiate with the US on this. He said, 'We can reach an agreement with America, we are not opposed to it. We consider it a good proposal and are ready to negotiate on it.'

'Europe is not negotiating with Russia'

Putin also discussed the role of European countries in possible peace talks for Ukraine and sought their participation. When asked about European participation, Putin said that I do not find anything wrong in it. Putin claimed that European countries themselves have refused to negotiate with Russia because they think Ukraine can win. He also said that Russia values ​​the view of the BRICS countries. Putin said that we are grateful to all those partners who want peace. That is why I am saying that not only Europe, other countries also have the right to participate.

Zelensky was called a dictator

A meeting was held between Russian and American officials last week, in which Europe or Ukraine were not invited. Regarding Europe's reactions, Putin said that he is getting emotional. At the same time, this conversation was described as increasing the level of trust between America and Russia. Putin said that issues related to the Ukraine crisis came up in the phone call with President Trump. But it was not discussed in depth. We have just decided that we will work on it. Putin also targeted Zelensky and reiterated Trump's claim that he is unpopular and a dictator.