At the 16th BRICS summit held recently in the Russian city of Kazan, Vladimir Putin held a press conference with local and foreign journalists. International political tensions were palpable, and correspondents’ questions focused on allegations of ties between Putin and Trump.
The situation was exacerbated by the recent publication of the book “Wars,” by veteran journalist Bob Woodward. Woodward claims, based on the testimony of a former Trump adviser, that the two leaders have had at least seven conversations since the former US president left office.
When asked about this, the 72-year-old Russian president said there had been no contact then or since. A categorical denial that contradicts speculation.
Not only did Putin deny any interference in the upcoming elections, but he also recalled the findings of investigations conducted in the United States, including in Congress, which have refuted these allegations of collusion.
With the presidential elections in the United States just weeks away, this statement by Putin is particularly significant. The Russian president suggested that the normalization of relations between the two countries will largely depend on the next American administration.
The geopolitical context between the United States and Russia has seen increasing tensions in recent years, particularly with the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022. Under the Biden administration, measures aimed at weakening the Russian economy have been put in place, contributing to a deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Thus, this press conference by Putin following the BRICS summit highlighted the political and diplomatic issues weighing on relations between Russia and the United States. As the world watches these developments closely, the future of international relations seems more uncertain than ever.