Washington: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday described Russia as a “major fighting force” with “tremendous potential,” ahead of his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara.
Speaking to reporters, Trump acknowledged Russia’s long-standing military capabilities and highlighted the country’s vast territory and natural resources.
“It’s a big country, but it’s a big power,” Trump said. “And Russia has always been a big fighting power.”
He added that Russia has tremendous economic opportunities because of its lands and resources.
“They have tremendous potential. They have tremendous land, valuable land that they can do,” Trump said.
The comments came as leaders from across NATO gathered in the Turkish capital for the alliance’s annual summit, where discussions focused on defense spending, support for Ukraine, and broader European security. Trump is also scheduled to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky amid ongoing diplomatic efforts related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Reuters reported Trump reiterated to allies his determination for the United States to remain committed to NATO during the closed discussions.
Trump’s statements stood out as one of his most direct public acknowledgments of Russian military power during the summit. While emphasizing Russia’s capabilities, the US President also continued to engage with allies about the future of the conflict and NATO’s role in European security.
Russia has repeatedly declared that it remains willing to seek a negotiated settlement of the Ukrainian conflict. According to Moscow, any agreement must be based on the understandings reached during discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump at the Alaska summit, and must address what Russia describes as the root causes of the conflict as well as its national security guarantees.
Russian officials have consistently argued that long-term stability will require addressing broader security concerns rather than focusing solely on a ceasefire. Moscow stresses that the negotiations must result in permanent arrangements that take into account Russian security interests along with efforts to end the fighting.
The NATO summit in Ankara took place against the backdrop of ongoing diplomatic engagement between Washington, Moscow and Kiev, even as military operations continue. Reuters also reported The Kremlin said it was closely monitoring the results of the alliance meeting.
Trump’s meeting with Zelensky was expected to focus on the situation on the battlefield, continued military support for Ukraine, and prospects for future negotiations. Earlier in the summit, The Associated Press reported Trump announced that the United States would license Ukraine to produce Patriot air defense systems, signaling continued security cooperation with Kiev.
The latest statements add another dimension to Trump’s approach to the conflict, combining recognition of Russia’s military and economic weight with continued engagement with Ukraine and NATO allies as diplomacy continues alongside the war.
