Vladimir
Putin and Donald Trump made press statements and answered
journalists’ questions.
July 16,
2018
18:35
Helsinki
President
of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, ladies and gentlemen,
The talks
with President of the United States Donald Trump were held
in a candid and business-like atmosphere. I think they were
quite successful and beneficial.
We
reviewed the current state and prospects of Russia-US relations
and key international issues. It is obvious to everyone that our
bilateral relations are undergoing a complicated period but there is no
objective reason for these difficulties and the current tense
atmosphere.
The Cold
War ended long ago, the era of acute ideological confrontation belongs
to the distant past, and the situation
in the world has fundamentally changed.
Today both
Russia and the United States are facing completely different
challenges – the mechanisms of international security
and stability are dangerously out of balance, there are regional
crises, the spread of the threat of terrorism
and cross border crime, crime in general, growing world economic
problems, environmental and other risks. It is possible to cope with
all this only by working together. I hope we will come to this
same understanding with our American partners.
Today’s
talks reflected the shared desire of President Trump and myself
to correct the negative situation in bilateral relations
and map out initial steps to improve them, restore an acceptable
level of trust and return to the former level
of cooperation on all issues of mutual interest.
As a major
nuclear power, we have special responsibility when it comes
to international security. I consider it important, as we
discussed, to get the dialogue on strategic stability
and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
on track. We made a note with a number of concrete
proposals on this matter available to our American colleagues.
We believe
that continued joint efforts to fully work through the military-political
and disarmament dossier is necessary. That includes the renewal
of the Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty, the dangerous
situation surrounding the development of elements of the US
global missile defence system, the implementation of the Treaty
on the Elimination of Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range
Missiles, and the topic of deploying weapons in space.
We are
in favour of continued cooperation in the sphere
of combating terrorism and ensuring cybersecurity. Notably, our
special services are working together quite successfully. The most recent
example of that is the close operational interaction with
a group of US security experts as part of the World
Cup in Russia that ended yesterday. Contacts between the special
services should be made systematic. I reminded the President
of the United States about the proposal to reconstitute
the anti-terror working group.
We covered
regional crises extensively. Our positions do not coincide on all matters,
but nonetheless there are many overlapping interests. We should be looking
for common ground and working more closely, including
at international forums.
Of course,
we talked about regional crises, including Syria. With regard to Syria,
restoring peace and harmony in that country could serve
as an example of successful joint work.
Of course,
Russia and the United States can take the lead in this
matter and organise cooperation to overcome the humanitarian
crisis and help refugees return to their hearths.
We have
all the requisite elements for effective cooperation on Syria.
Notably, Russian and American military have gained useful experience
of interaction and coordination in the air
and on land.
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump
made press statements and answered journalists’ questions.
I would
also like to note that after the terrorists are routed
in southwest Syria, in the so-called “southern zone”,
the situation in the Golan Heights should be brought into full
conformity with the 1974 agreement on the disengagement
of Israeli and Syrian forces.
This will
make it possible to bring tranquillity to the Golan Heights
and restore the ceasefire between the Syrian Arab Republic
and the State of Israel. The President devoted special
attention to this issue today.
I would
like to emphasise that Russia has a stake in this course
of events and will adhere to exactly this position. This will
constitute a step towards establishing a just and durable peace
on the basis of UN Security Council Resolution 338.
It is good
that efforts to gradually solve the problem of the Korean
Peninsula have begun. This became possible largely because President Trump got
personally involved and pursued dialogue in the spirit
of cooperation rather than confrontation.
During
the talks we openly discussed Russia’s concern over the US withdrawal
from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
on the Iranian nuclear issue. The US knows our position. It
remains unchanged. To underscore, due to the nuclear deal Iran
has become the country most heavily inspected by the IAEA. This
guarantees the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian
nuclear programme and facilitates the consolidation
of the non-proliferation regime.
Returning
to our discussion of the Ukrainian crisis, the importance
of observing the Minsk agreements in good faith was noted.
The United States could be more resolute in insisting on this
and could motivate Ukraine’s leaders to engage in this work.
We paid
special attention to the economy. Obviously, there is interest
in cooperation in the business circles of both countries.
The US delegation was one of the biggest at the St
Petersburg International Economic Forum in May. It consisted of over
500 US entrepreneurs.
To develop
trade and investment, President Trump and I agreed to establish
a high-level group that would unite captains of Russian
and American business. Business people better understand how to go
about mutually beneficial cooperation. Let them consider what can be done
and make recommendations.
Once again
President Trump touched on the so-called Russian interference
in the electoral process in the United States. I had
to repeat what I said many times before, including during
my personal meeting with the President: Russia has never
and will never interfere in US domestic affairs, including
the electoral process. We are ready to examine all concrete materials
that may be presented, for example, in the framework
of the cybersecurity working group, the establishment
of which we discussed during our meeting in Hamburg.
And,
of course, it is time to unfreeze Russian-US ties between civic
organisations and in the cultural and humanitarian sphere.
As you know, recently we received a delegation from the US
Congress, which was considered almost a historic event, when it should be
a regular occurrence.
On this
note, we have proposed that the US President think not only
on practical issues but also on the philosophy underlying
long-term bilateral relations. It would be useful to involve experts
on the history and nuances of Russian-US cooperation
in this process.
Our idea
is to establish an expert council composed of influential
Russian and US political analysts, academics, prominent former diplomats
and military officers, which would work on finding points
of convergence and ways to put bilateral cooperation
on a sustainable positive trajectory.
In general,
we are satisfied with our first full-scale meeting. Let me say once again that
before this, we had only met briefly at international forums. President
Trump and I had a good conversation. I hope now we
understand each other better, and I thank Donald for this.
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump
made press statements and answered journalists’ questions.
Of course,
numerous problems remain. We have not managed to clear all
the blockages, which would be impossible in one meeting. But I believe
we have taken an important first step in this direction.
In conclusion
I would like to note that our Finnish hosts helped to create
the working atmosphere during the talks. I thank
to the leadership of Finland, the Finnish people
and residents of Helsinki for what they have done. We know that
we have caused a lot of inconvenience for people
in Helsinki and we apologise for this.
Thank you
for your attention.
President
of the United States Donald Trump: I have just
concluded a meeting with President Putin on a wide range
of critical issues for both of our countries. We had direct,
open and deeply productive dialogue. It went very well.
Before
I begin, I want to thank President Niinistö of Finland
for graciously hosting today’s summit. President Putin
and I were saying how lovely it was and what a great job
they did. I also want to congratulate Russia and President Putin
for having done such an excellent job in hosting the World
Cup. It was really one of the best ever, and your team also did
very well. It was a great job.
I am
here today to continue the proud tradition of bold American
diplomacy. From the earliest days of our republic, American leaders
have understood that diplomacy and engagement is preferable
to conflict and hostility. A productive dialogue is not only
good for the United States and good for Russia, but it is
good for the world.
The disagreements
between our two countries are well-known. President Putin
and I discussed them at length today. But if we are going
to solve many of the problems facing our world, then we are
going to have to find ways to cooperate in pursuit of shared
interests. Too often in both the recent past and long ago we
have seen the consequences when diplomacy is left on the table.
We have
also seen the benefits of cooperation. In the last century
our nations fought alongside one another in the Second World War.
Even during the tensions of the Cold War, when the world
looked much different than it does today, the United States
and Russia were able to maintain a strong dialogue. But our
relationship has never been worse than it is now.
However,
that changed as of about four hours ago. I really believe that.
Nothing would be easier politically than to refuse to meet,
to refuse to engage, but that would not accomplish anything.
As President, I cannot make decisions on foreign policy
in a futile effort to appease partisan critics,
or the media, or Democrats who want to do nothing but
resist and obstruct.
Constructive
dialogue between the United States and Russia forges
the opportunity to open new pathways toward peace and stability
in our world. I would rather take a political risk
in pursuit of peace than to risk peace in pursuit
of politics. As President, I will always put what is best
for America and what is best for the American people.
During
today’s meeting, I addressed directly with President Putin the issue
of Russian interference in our elections. I felt that this was
a message best delivered in person. We spent a great deal
of time talking about it, and President Putin may very well want
to address it, and very strongly, because he feels very strongly
about it, and he has an interesting idea.
We also discussed
one of the most critical challenges facing humanity: nuclear
proliferation. I provided an update on my meeting last
month with Chairman Kim on the denuclearisation of North Korea,
and after today I am very sure that President Putin and Russia
want very much to end that problem. They are going to work with us,
and I appreciate that commitment.
The President
and I also discussed the scourge of radical Islamic
terrorism. Both Russia and the United States have suffered horrific
terrorist attacks, and we have agreed to maintain open communication
between our security agencies to protect our citizens from this global
menace. Last year we told Russia about a planned attack in St
Petersburg, and they were able to stop it cold. They found them, they
stopped them, there was no doubt about it. I appreciated President Putin’s
phone call afterwards to thank me.
I also
emphasised the importance of placing pressure on Iran
to halt its nuclear ambitions and to stop its campaign
of violence throughout the area, throughout the Middle East.
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump
made press statements and answered journalists’ questions.
As we
discussed at length, the crisis in Syria is a complex one.
Cooperation between our two countries has the potential to save
hundreds of thousands of lives. I also made clear that
the United States will not allow Iran to benefit from our successful
campaign against ISIS. We have just about eradicated ISIS
in the area.
We also
agreed that representatives from our national security councils will meet
to follow up on all of the issues we addressed today
and to continue the progress we have started right here
in Helsinki.
Today’s
meeting is only the beginning of a longer process, but we have
taken the first steps towards a brighter future, and one with
a strong dialogue and a lot of thought. Our expectations
are grounded in realism, but our hopes are grounded in America’s
desire for friendship, cooperation and peace, and I think
I can speak on behalf of Russia when I say that also.
President
Putin, I want to thank you again for joining me for these
important discussions and for advancing open dialogue between Russia
and the United States. Our meeting carries on a long
tradition of diplomacy between Russia and the United States
for the greater good of all. And this was a very
constructive day, these were very constructive few hours that we spent
together. It is in the interests of both of our countries
to continue our conversation, and we have agreed to do so.
I am sure we will be meeting again in the future often,
and hopefully we will solve every one of the problems that we
discussed today.
So again,
President Putin, thank you very much.
Question:
I have a question for the President of the United
States.
During
your recent European tour, you said that the Nord Stream 2 pipeline
project and other projects make Europe hostage to Russia. You
suggested saving Europe from this dependence by supplying US liquefied
gas.
This past
cold winter proved the viability of the current energy supply
system in Europe, at a time where the United States was
forced to buy additional liquefied gas, including from Russia,
to cover the heating needs of Boston.
So,
my question: is your idea more of a political nature? Might it
lead to a situation where a gap could develop in Europe’s
energy supply system which would impact primarily the consumer countries?
And a second
question, if I may. Before the meeting with Mr Putin, you called him
a rival, but left hope that, perhaps, you would be able to take these
relations to a friendly plane. Did you succeed?
Donald
Trump: No, actually, I called him a competitor, and a good
competitor he is. And I think the word ‘competitor’ is
a compliment. I think that we will be competing when you talk about
the pipeline. I am not sure necessarily that it’s
in the best interests of Germany or not, but that was
a decision that they made. We will be competing. As you know,
the United States is now – or soon will be, but I think it
tactually is right now – the largest in the oil
and gas world, so we are going to be selling LNG and will have
to be competing with the pipeline. And I think we will
compete successfully, although there is a little advantage locationally.
So I just wish them luck, I mean, I did discuss it with Angela
Merkel in pretty strong tones, but I also know where they all are
coming from and they have a very close source, so we will see how
that all works out. But we have lots of sources now,
and the United States is much different than it was a number
of years ago, when we weren’t able to extract what we can extract
today. So, today we are number one in the world at that
and I think we will be out there competing very strongly. Thank you
very much.
Vladimir Putin:
I would like to add a couple of words to that.
I spoke
with the President, including on this topic. We are aware
of the President’s position. But I believe that we,
as a major oil and gas country – and the United
States is also such a country – could work constructively
to regulate international markets, because we are not interested
in a sharp drop in prices below the lower limit. Our producers,
including the United States with its shale oil and gas, will be
affected by this.
During news conference following
talks between the presidents of Russia and the United
States.
The profit
margin of production comes to naught below certain levels. We are not
interested in excessively high prices either, because they can kill
refining, engineering and other branches of the economy. We have
things to discuss and there is room for cooperation. This is
my first point.
Second,
with regard to Nord Stream 2, the President expressed concerns about
the possible end of transit across Ukraine. I assured him that
Russia is willing to keep this transit in place. Moreover, we are
willing to renew the transit contract, which expires next year, if
the dispute between economic agents is settled in the Stockholm
Arbitration Court.
Question:
Mr President, you tweeted this morning that it is US “foolishness”, “stupidity”
and the Mueller probe that are responsible for the decline
in US relations with Russia. Do you hold Russia at all accountable
for anything in particular, and if so, what would you consider
that they are responsible for?
Donald
Trump: Yes, I do. I hold both countries responsible. I think
that the United States has been foolish, I think we have all been
foolish: we should have had this dialogue a long time ago. A long
time, frankly, before I got to office. And I think we are
all to blame. I think now the United States now has stepped
forward along with Russia, and we are getting together, and we have
a chance to do some great things, whether it is nuclear proliferation
in terms of stopping – because we have to do it ultimately,
that is probably the most important thing that we can be working on. But
I do feel that we have both made some mistakes. I think that
the probe is a disaster for our country. I think it has
kept us apart. It kept us separated. There was no collusion at all.
Everybody knows it. People are being brought out to the fore –
so far that I know, virtually none of it related
to the campaign – and they are going to have
to try really hard to find somebody that did relate to the campaign.
That was a clean campaign. I beat Hillary Clinton easily and,
frankly, we beat her – and I am not even saying from
the standpoint…we won that race, and it is a shame there can be
even a little bit of cloud over it. People know that, people
understand it, but the main thing – and we discussed this
also – is zero collusion. And it has had a negative impact upon
the relationship of the two largest nuclear powers
in the world. We have 90 percent of nuclear power between
the two countries. It’s ridiculous, it’s ridiculous what is going
on with the probe.
Question:
For President Putin, if I could follow up as well… Why should
Americans and why should President Trump believe your statement that
Russia did not intervene in the 2016 election given the evidence
that US intelligence agencies have provided? And will you consider
extraditing the 12 Russian officials that were indicted last week
by a US grand jury?
Donald
Trump: We, I’m going to let the President answer the second part
of this question, but, as you know, the whole concept
of that came up perhaps a little bit before, but it came out
as a reason why the Democrats lost an election, which,
frankly, they should have been able to win, because the Electoral
College is much more advantageous for Democrats, as you know, than it
is for Republicans. We won the Electoral College
by a lot – 306 to 223, I believe – and that
was a well-fought battle. We did a great job, and, frankly, I am
going to let the President speak to the second part
of your question, but just to say it one time again,
and I say it all the time: there was no collusion; I didn’t
know the President; there was nobody to collude with; there was no
collusion with the campaign. And every time you hear about all
of these twelve or fourteen, it’s stuff that has nothing to do –
and frankly, they admit – these are not people involved
in the campaign. But to the average reader out there, they
are saying well, maybe that does. It doesn’t. And even the people
involved – some, perhaps, told mysteries, or in one case
the FBI said there was no lie, and somebody else said there was. We
ran a brilliant campaign, and that is why I am President. Thank
you.
Vladimir Putin:
Regarding whom you can believe and whom you can’t, you shouldn’t believe
anyone. What makes you think President Trump trusts me and that
I fully trust him? He defends the interests of the United
States of America. I defend the interests
of the Russian Federation. We do have converging interests,
and we are seeking common ground. We have issues that we disagree on so
far. We are seeking options to settle these differences and make our
work more constructive.
We should
not rely on the momentary political interests of some internal
political forces in our countries but on facts. Tell me at least
one fact that proves collusion during the election campaign
in the United States. This is total nonsense. We did not know each
other, the President just said this. It is only natural that
the Russian public developed a certain attitude towards
the candidates. There is nothing unusual about this.
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump
made press statements and answered journalists’ questions.
While
a candidate, Mr Trump spoke of the necessity to restore
Russia-US relations. Naturally, the Russian public developed a liking
for this candidate, and different people expressed this attitude
in different ways. Isn't it natural to have a liking
for a person who wants to build relations with our country? This
is normal.
We heard
accusations against the company Concord. As I understand it,
this company hired American lawyers, and the accusations against it
just fell apart in a US court. Just follow what happens in US
courts. This is what you should base your view on, not on rumours. This is
the first thing.
Second,
as for the 12 alleged Russian intelligence officers,
I don’t know about this yet. I have to find out what it is
you’re talking about. The President also asked me this question.
What can
I say? Generally, we talked about this, but now it occurs to me what
I can suggest. There is the Treaty between the United States
and the Russian Federation on Mutual Legal Assistance
in Criminal Matters of 1999. By the way, this has proven
effective. We initiate up to 150 legal proceedings in Russia
at the request of other countries. Several years ago, our former
nuclear industry minister was extradited by the United States
to Russia and received a sentence in court here. It is an effective
treaty. The treaty provides concrete procedures for cooperation.
We can
suggest that your relevant commission led by US Special Counsel –
what is his name, Mr Mueller or Meller? – should send us,
in compliance with this treaty, an official request
for interrogating the people that he believes to be guilty
of committing a crime. Our Prosecutor-General’s Office
and investigative agencies can interrogate these people and forward
the relevant materials to the United States.
Moreover,
we can take another step to meet you halfway. We can allow US official
representatives, including those from the Mueller-led commission,
to be present at the interrogation. Certainly, in this
case, we will be seeking reciprocal steps from the United States. We’ll
expect the American party to interrogate the officials, including
the US intelligence officers, who are suspected of committing illegal
acts in Russia, in the presence of our investigation
officers.
I mean
the high-profile case, involving [Bill] Browder’s Hermitage Capital
company. According to our investigative officers, a group
of people – Mr Browder’s business partners – who illegally made
over $1.5 billion in Russia did not pay taxes either in Russia
or the United States but transferred this money
to the United States. They contributed $400 million to Ms
Clinton’s election campaign. This is official information included
in their reports – $400 million. Well, it was up to them, they
might have done this legally, but the gains were ill-gotten.
We have
grounds to suspect that US intelligence officers supported these illegal
transactions. This is only one step forward. We can talk about expanding our
cooperation. You’re welcome, there might be options that are provided
for in the appropriate intergovernmental treaty.
Question: My first
question is for Mr Trump in English. Mr President, would you please
go into the details of any possible specific arrangements
for the US to work together with Russia in Syria, if any
of this kind of arrangements were made today or discussed?
If you
allow me, a question for President Putin in Russian too.
As the subject of football was touched upon several times today,
I will ask my question in the language of football. Mr
Pompeo said a little earlier that when it comes to discussing
coordinated activities in Syria, it’s Russia’s ball now. Mr President, is
this true? If so, how did you take advantage of having possession?
President of the United
States of America Donald Trump.
Donald
Trump: Well, I guess I will answer the first part
of the question.
We’ve
worked with Israel long and hard for many years, many decades.
I think that never has any country been closer than we are. President
Putin also is helping Israel, and we both spoke with Bibi Netanyahu.
And they would like to do certain things with respect to Syria,
having to do with the safety of Israel. So, in that respect
we absolutely would like to work in order to help Israel,
and Israel will be working with us, so both countries would work jointly.
And I think that when you look at all the progress that has
been made in certain sections with the eradication
of ISIS – we’re about 98–99 percent there – and other
things that have taken place that we have done and that, frankly, Russia
has helped us within certain respects. But I think that working with
Israel is a great thing, and creating safety for Israel is
something that both President Putin and I would like to see very
much.
One little
thing I might add to that is the helping of people.
The helping of people – because you have such horrible…if you
see…and I have seen the reports, and I have seen
pictures. I have seen just about everything. And if we can do
something to help the people of Syria get back into some form
of shelter on a humanitarian basis. And that’s what
the word was, really: a humanitarian basis. I think that both
of us would be very interested in doing that, and we will do
that. Thank you very much.
Question: Excuse
me, but for now no specific agreements, for instance, between
the militaries?
Donald
Trump: Well, our militaries do get along. In fact, our militaries
actually have gotten along probably better than our political leaders
for years, but our militaries do get along very well and they do
coordinate in Syria and other places. Ok? Thank you.
Vladimir
Putin: I have already mentioned that we spoke about humanitarian
cooperation. I discussed this issue with the President
of France, Mr Macron, yesterday and we agreed to step up these
efforts with European countries, France included. On our part, we are
ready to provide military transport aircraft for humanitarian
cargoes. President Trump and I spoke about this as well,
and I believe there is room for improvement here.
What is
important? Now large numbers of refugees are concentrated
in countries bordering on Syria, such as Turkey, Lebanon,
Jordan. If we help these people return home, the migration pressure
on European Union countries and other countries could be reduced
multiple times over. I consider this to be extremely important from
all standpoints: both from the humanitarian standpoint, and that
of solving the refugee problem.
On the whole,
I really agree with the President. Our military cooperation is going
quite well. I hope that they will continue to be able to come
to agreements just as they have been. We will keep working
in the Astana format as well, I mean Russia, Turkey
and Iran. I also informed Donald about this today. We are willing
to link these efforts with the efforts of the so-called
small group of countries to make this a broad process
and for us to have the greatest chance of success.
As for the ball
being on our side where Syria is concerned. The President just
mentioned that we successfully organised and hosted the World Cup. As for the ball…
I would like to pass the ball to the President, all
the more so because the US will host the World Cup in 2026.
Donald
Trump: That’s right, thank you very much, we do host it, and we hope
we do as good a job. That is very nice. That will go
to my son Barron, there is no question. In fact, Melania, here
you go.
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump
made press statements and answered journalists’ questions.
Question: Thank
you. A question for each president. President Trump, you first. Just
now, President Putin denied having anything to do with the election
interference in 2016. Every US intelligence agency has concluded that
Russia did. My first question for you, sir, is who do you believe?
My second question is, would you now, with the whole world watching,
tell President Putin? Would you denounce what happened in 2016
and would you warn him to never do it again?
Donald
Trump: So let me just say that we have two thoughts. You have groups that
are wondering why the FBI never took the server. Why haven’t they
taken the server? Why was the FBI told to leave the office
of the Democratic National Committee? I have been wondering
that, I have been asking that for months and months,
and I have been tweeting it out, and I have been calling it
out on social media. Where is the server? I want to know.
Where is the server and what is the server saying? With that
being said, all I can do is ask the question. My people came
to me, Dan Coats came to me and some others. They said they
think it is Russia. I have President Putin – he just said it is not
Russia. I will say this: I do not see any reason why it would be.
But
I really do want to see the server. But I have confidence
in both parties. I really believe that this will probably go
on for a while, but I don’t think it can go on without
finding out what happened to the server. What happened
to the servers of the Pakistani gentleman that worked
on the DNC. Where are the servers? They’re missing. Where are
they? What happened to Hillary Clinton’s emails? 33,000 emails gone, just
gone. I think in Russia, they would not have been gone so easily. I think
it is a disgrace that we can’t get Hillary Clinton’s 33,000 emails.
So,
I have great confidence in my intelligence people, but
I will tell you that President Putin was extremely strong
and powerful in his denial today. And what he did is
an incredible offer: he offered to have the people working
on the case come and work with their investigators with respect
to the 12 people. I think that’s an incredible offer. OK.
Thank you.
Vladimir Putin:
Let me add a couple of words to that.
I have
worked in intelligence too, and I know how these dossiers are
compiled. This is my first point.
My second
point is that I consider Russia to be a democratic state.
I hope you do not deny this to your country, the United States
of America, either. Is the United States a democratic state? If
so, then the final ruling in a dispute of this kind can
only be made in court, not an intelligence service.
The company
I mentioned, Concord, and one of our restaurateurs are being
accused of interference. However, they do not represent the Russian
state. Even if that is the case, I can imagine. So what? I have
given you examples. You have many people, including those with major
billion-dollar fortunes, such as Mr Soros. He interferes everywhere he
can, but what is this? Is it the position of the American state?
No. This is the position of a private person. So it is
in this case.
There is
a trial in a US court, and the court is always
the final instance. Let them figure it out, we will see. This applies
to private individuals only, not to the state. I have
already spoken about the latest accusations against the alleged
employees of our special services. There is an intergovernmental
agreement. Go ahead and send an official request. Let
the Mueller Commission send us a request, we will do our part
and provide an answer.
We can
expand this cooperation, as I already mentioned, but only
on a reciprocal basis. We, then, would also expect the United
States to provide access to the persons we believe are
the special services employees. Let's discuss these matters
in substance rather than use Russia-US relations as a bargaining
chip in the domestic political strife in the United States.
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Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump
made press statements and answered journalists’ questions.
Question:
A question for President Putin, thank you. Two questions
for you, sir. Could you tell me what President Trump may have indicated
to you about officially recognising Crimea as part of Russia?
And secondly, sir, do you, does the Russian government have any
compromising material on President Trump or his family?
Vladimir
Putin: President Trump sticks to a well-known position
on Crimea. He speaks about the illegal nature of Crimea joining
Russia. We have a different perspective on this. We believe that we
held a referendum in strict compliance with international law
and the UN Charter. This case is closed for Russia. This is
my first point.
My second
point is with regard to some compromising materials. I heard about us
allegedly collecting dirt on Mr Trump when he was in Moscow.
Colleague, when Mr Trump came to Moscow, I was not even aware that he
was there. I respect President Trump as head of the United
States, but when he came here as a businessman, I was not even
aware that he was in Moscow.
Over 500
high-ranking US businessmen came to the St Petersburg Economic Forum.
I do not even remember their names. Do you think we are doing intelligence
work and collecting compromising material on each one of them?
It is hard to imagine bigger nonsense. Please get this rubbish out
of your head.
Question: A question
for President Putin, thank you. Two questions for you, sir. Could you
tell me what President Trump may have indicated to you about officially
recognising Crimea as part of Russia? And secondly, sir, do you,
does the Russian government have any compromising material
on President Trump or his family?
Vladimir Putin:
President Trump sticks to a well-known position on Crimea. He
speaks about the illegal nature of annexing Crimea to Russia. We
have a different perspective on this. We believe that we held
a referendum in strict compliance with international law
and the UN Charter. This case is closed for Russia. This is
my first point.
My second
point is with regard to some compromising materials. I heard about us
allegedly collecting dirt on Mr Trump when he was in Moscow.
Colleague, when Mr Trump came to Moscow, I was not even aware that he
was there. I respect President Trump as head of the United
States, but when he came here as a businessman, I was not even
aware that he was in Moscow.
Over 500
high-ranking US businessmen came to the St Petersburg Economic Forum.
I do not even remember their names. Do you think we are doing intelligence
work and collecting compromising material on each one of them?
It is hard to imagine bigger nonsense. Please get this rubbish out
of your head.
Donald
Trump: I have to say if they had it, it would have been out long
ago. And if anybody watched Peter Strzok testify over the last couple
of days, and I was in Brussels watching it, it was
a disgrace to the FBI, it was a disgrace to our
country, and you would say that was a total witch hunt. Thank you
very much, everybody. Thank you.
See also
July 16,
2018
Additional
July 16, 2018
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