On January 20, 2025, during his inauguration press statement, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for refusing to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. Trump stated, “He should make a deal. I think he’s destroying Russia by not making a deal.”
This marks a notable shift in Trump’s stance, as he has previously expressed admiration for Putin. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to significant economic sanctions against Russia, contributing to its international isolation. President Trump’s comments suggest a push for renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
In response to these developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a videoconference to reaffirm their strong bilateral relations and discuss their support for a “more just multipolar global order.” This conversation underscores the deepening ties between Russia and China amid growing tensions with the United States.