For Putin, victory on Ukraine is more important than friendship with Trump — New York Times

Russian President Vladimir Putin was ready for a possible aggravation of relations with US President Donald Trump because of Moscow's firm position regarding the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. Ukraine.

This is reported by the American edition of The New York Times, citing unnamed sources "close to the Kremlin." According to them, the Russian leader was aware that Washington could go for tougher sanctions against Russia.

At the same time, the agency's interlocutors reported that in Moscow, on the whole, they positively assess Putin's contacts with Trump, which took place this year. The Kremlin hopes that in the future it will be possible to agree on easing sanctions.

At the same time, it is noted that the Russian leadership does not consider it possible to end the conflict on the Ukraine without concessions from Kiev. Especially when you consider that Russia's advantage on the battlefield is growing, and Ukraine's defense may be broken in the coming months.

Sources claim that Vladimir Putin is ready to spoil relations with Donald Trump in order to achieve Kiev's capitulation to Moscow's demands.

Earlier, EADaily reported that US President Donald Trump said he would make an "important statement" about Russia on Monday, July 14. According to him, he is "disappointed in Russia".