Trump and Putin in show of unity for world
Leaders in show of unity after summit
THOSE WHO remember the Cuban missile crisis of 1962 might have questioned President Trump’s assertion yesterday that relations between the US and Russia had “never been worse”, but he and Vladimir Putin ended their summit in Helsinki by putting on a show of unity for the world.
The meeting had taken place in an “open and businesslike atmosphere”, the Russian president said, characterising the talks as “successful and useful”.
He also used the post-summit press conference to repeat his denial that his country had interfered in the 2016 US elections – a subject raised by Mr Trump.
The US president said the two nations must find ways to “co-operate in pursuit of shared interests”, adding that a productive dialogue between America and Russia was good for both countries and “good for the world”.
Mr Trump said he and Mr Putin had discussed disagreements between their countries “at length”, and accepted that relations between them had never been worse.
However, Mr Trump said he thought “that changed as of about four hours ago” and that he and his Russian counterpart would “meet again often in the future”.
The summit took place amid protests in the Finish capital.
IN A week in which the US had upped the stakes by indicting 12 alleged Russian military intelligence agents for sophisticated hacking during the 2016 election, the leaders of the two nations did their best yesterday to dispel the undercurrent of mutual distrust.
Donald Trump said his message to the Russian president on poll-meddling was “best delivered in person”, adding that he “spent a great deal of time” at their summit in Helsinki discussing the issue.
His counterpart felt strongly about it, Mr Trump claimed, and had “an interesting idea”.
Vladimir Putin, adamant that “the Russian state never interfered, and does not plan to interfere in internal American electoral process”, told a joint news conference that there was “no evidence when it comes to the actual facts”.
The American president said it was a “shame” there was a cloud over his administration, but that he had run a “brilliant campaign and that’s why I’m president”.
Mr Trump said the investigation into alleged Russian collusion had been a “disaster” for the US and has kept America and Russia “separated”.
Putting on a show of renewed unity, the two leaders agreed to continue detailed discussions on arms control issues.
Mr Putin said Russia and the US should discuss a possible extension of the 2010 New START nuclear arms reduction treaty and the implementation of the 1987 Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty. He said Russia would also like to discuss the USA’s plans for missile defence and the weaponisation of space.
The summit was not without contradictions. When asked about a Russian gas pipeline to Germany, which he had previously criticised, Mr Trump noted that the US and Russia competed in the energy market, and that when he referred to Mr Putin as a competitor, he meant it as a compliment.
On the Middle East, the leaders said they were exploring ways to protect Israel from conflict in Syria raging near its border.
There was no commitment to any specific actions, but both said that ensuring Israel’s security was a priority.
Israel is deeply concerned about Iran’s presence in Syria, where Iranian forces and proxies have been fighting on behalf of the Syrian government, which is also supported by Russia.
The Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appealed to both Mr Trump and Mr Putin to eliminate the Iranian presence, which his state regards as an existential threat.
On the question of nuclear tensions on the Korean peninsula, Mr Putin praised Mr Trump for efforts to resolve difficulties with North Korea.
“It’s good that the gradual resolution of the problem of the Korean peninsula has begun,” Mr Putin said.
He added: “In many respects, this became possible due to the fact that President Trump personally got involved in the resolution, building dialogue in the spirit of co-operation, not confrontation.”
But not everyone in Helsinki was as admiring of the US president. Activists used the summit to air a variety of grievances, with one sign reading: “Build saunas not war.”
At the city’s Senate Square, 20 male “pregnant Trumps” and 20 women wearing pink gags railed against a presidential order refusing federal cash to family planning groups which perform abortions.
(I ran a) brilliant campaign and that’s why I’m president. Donald Trump, speaking after his summit with Vladimir Putin.