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".

The EU hurts the Magyar: Hungary, without Russia's participation, "flies" with a deal with Egypt
Franz Klintsevich: By the end of the year the situation will change a lot, and then the conflict with NATO
Lavrov and Rubio's talks in Manila ended, they lasted 35 minutes
Latvia suddenly realized that there is no danger from Russia
How to get out of zugzwang: Zelensky escaped from protests on an international tour
The Russian Armed Forces forced the Ukrainian Armed Forces to retreat to Nikolaevka — summary