US President Donald Trump has commended his Russian and Chinese counterparts, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, as strong leaders who are “tough” and “smart”. In a recent interview on CBS’s ’60 Minutes’, Trump described both leaders as individuals who command respect and should be taken seriously. When asked who is tougher to deal with, Trump replied that both Xi and Putin are equally formidable, stating that they are “not to be toyed with” and prefer to focus on substantive discussions rather than engage in small talk.
The US President also acknowledged that both Russia and China possess significant nuclear arsenals and noted that he has discussed denuclearization with both nations. Regarding US-China relations, Trump emphasized that despite challenges, he and Xi have a good rapport, which facilitated a trade deal that has generated substantial revenue for the US through tariffs. He also expressed satisfaction with the agreement, citing the absence of rare-earth threats and the influx of dollars into the US economy.
Trump also touched on his relationship with Putin, characterizing it as “very good” and attributing the Ukraine conflict to his predecessor. He claimed that the conflict would not have occurred if he were president and asserted that Putin shares this view. The US President reiterated his claim of resolving eight wars since his return to the White House, primarily through the use of trade leverage, and expressed confidence in his ability to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine within a few months.
Trump’s comments come as the international community continues to navigate complex geopolitical relationships and seek solutions to ongoing conflicts. The US President’s approach to diplomacy, which emphasizes trade and economic cooperation, has been subject to scrutiny and debate. As the situation in Ukraine and other global hotspots continues to evolve, the actions and statements of world leaders will be closely watched for signs of progress or escalation. With the US, Russia, and China playing key roles in shaping global events, the dynamics between these nations will remain a critical focus of international attention.