Kneissl foreshadowed more work for diplomats before Putin and Trump meet

Before the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and American leader Donald Trump, a lot of diplomatic work will need to be done. This opinion was expressed by former Austrian Foreign Minister and current head of the G.O.R.K.I. Center at St. Petersburg State University Karin Kneissl.

In her opinion, contacts between the heads of two states should not start with a handshake between the two leaders and then move on to discussing bureaucratic issues.

"It is always better to start with a lot of technical work. <...> Everything should be based on very well-prepared solid ground," she said.

Kneissl pointed out that diplomatic staff has been reduced on both sides over the past four or five years. Therefore, a good step would be to increase diplomatic staff and resume contacts in a number of areas.

Leadership positions: Putin welcomes Trump's mood to restore contacts

The Russian president congratulated his American counterpart on taking office and emphasized the importance of dialogue on an equal footing

After his inauguration on January 20, Trump announced his desire to meet with Putin as soon as possible to put an end to the conflict in Ukraine. He said this via video link on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. The new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also called the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis a top priority, noting that "part of the preparatory work" has begun.

The Russian president, in turn, said on January 24 that he was ready to hold such a meeting. Putin emphasized that Moscow and Washington have many common topics and the parties should discuss solutions to key issues. He added that first of all it depends on the decisions and choices of the current US administration.

Putin also said that their relationship with Trump is trusting and pragmatic. At the same time, he recalled that the previous US administration refused contacts with the Russian side, although Moscow never refused them.

Sources close to the Kremlin confirm preparations for the conversation, but note that there is no talk of a face-to-face meeting. In particular, because the place of Trump's first official visit may be China, Gazeta.ru writes.