Russia-US Conflict / Russia ridiculed Donald Trump's claim, told why the war with Ukraine started

Russia-US Conflict: On Friday, Russia rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that the Ukraine war could end if oil prices were to drop. Trump made this statement via video conference from the White House during the World Economic Forum’s annual event in Davos, Switzerland. He accused OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) of playing a role in the war, stating that lower oil prices could bring the conflict to an end.

Trump’s Claim: Lower Oil Prices Could End the War

In his address, Trump said, “If oil prices go down, the Russia-Ukraine war will end immediately.” He further alleged that the coalition of oil-exporting countries, OPEC, is fueling the war by keeping oil prices high, which is economically benefiting Russia. Trump claimed that Russia’s revenue from oil sales is a major reason the war continues.

Russia’s Rebuttal: Oil Prices Not Linked to the War

Responding to Trump’s statement, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the notion that the Ukraine war is tied to oil prices. Peskov clarified, “The war does not depend on oil prices. It is ongoing due to threats to Russia’s national security, the risks faced by Russians living in those regions, and the refusal of Americans and Europeans to acknowledge Russia’s security concerns. This has nothing to do with oil prices.”
Peskov also emphasized that the conflict began as a measure to protect Russia’s security interests and Russian-speaking citizens in the region, concerns that Western nations ignored.

Putin Open to Talks with Trump

Peskov added that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump. He reiterated Putin’s earlier statements that Ukraine’s plan to join NATO posed a significant threat to Russia’s security. This, Peskov said, led Russia to deploy its military in Ukraine in February 2022.

Trump’s Stern Warning to Russia

Earlier, on Wednesday, Trump had warned Russia of strict sanctions and tariffs if it failed to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war. Trump also stated that if re-elected as U.S. President, he would take tough measures against Russia and broker a deal to bring the war to a quick conclusion.

Conclusion

Russia dismissed Trump’s remarks, asserting that the Ukraine war is not influenced by oil prices but by security concerns and the West’s disregard for those concerns. At the same time, Putin has shown a willingness to engage in dialogue with Trump. It remains to be seen what steps both nations might take to resolve the ongoing conflict in the future.