Putin dismisses jealousy over Trump-Xi meeting, welcomes US-China talks
Putin dismisses jealousy over Trump-Xi meeting, welcomes US-China talks
At a press conference in St. Petersburg on the sidelines of the United Cultures Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin said jealousy is a personal emotion unrelated to politics, responding to questions about the US-China meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. He welcomed any positive agreement between the two largest economies, noting their decisions shape the world’s course, but cast doubt on his own attendance at the upcoming APEC summit in China, saying domestic events would determine his travel plans. Putin accused European leaders of trying to deceive their citizens with claims that Russia intends to attack, calling such allegations 'complete nonsense.' He mocked Estonia’s new Defence Minister Martin Herem for urging military mobilisation, noting Estonia’s population is smaller than the Russian army. On Ukraine, Putin said settlement proposals remain on the table, but Moscow will act in its best interests after assessing acceptable terms, adding that Ukraine had targeted polling stations in Moscow and that Russia began responding to strikes on civilian sites such as the warehouses of Wildberries and Ozon.
For Nigerians, these signals matter because shifts in US‑China‑Russia relations can affect global oil prices, trade flows, and security partnerships that directly influence the naira, foreign investment, and the safety of Nigerians abroad. Nigeria’s foreign policy often seeks balance among major powers, and any realignment could alter aid packages, arms deals, or market access for Nigerian exports.
Given Putin’s stance, should Nigeria deepen ties with any of these powers, or maintain non‑alignment to safeguard its interests?