WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday described Russia as “a big fighting force” with “tremendous potential,” making the remarks shortly before meeting 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 is a big country, but it is a big force. Russia has always been a big fighting force,” Trump said.
He added that Russia possesses enormous economic opportunities because of its land and resources.
“They have tremendous potential. They have tremendous land, valuable land that they can do things with,” Trump said.
The comments came as leaders from across the NATO alliance gathered in the Turkish capital for the alliance’s annual summit, where discussions have focused on defense spending, support for Ukraine, and broader European security. Trump was also scheduled to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky amid continuing diplomatic efforts related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Reuters reported that Trump reaffirmed to allies his intention for the US to remain committed to NATO during closed-door discussions.
Trump’s remarks stood out as one of his most direct public acknowledgments of Russia’s military strength during the summit. While emphasizing Russia’s capabilities, the US president also continued engaging with allies on the future of the conflict and NATO’s role in European security.
Russia has repeatedly stated that it remains prepared to pursue a negotiated settlement to the Ukraine conflict. According to Moscow, any agreement should 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 guarantees for its national security.
Russian officials have consistently argued that long-term stability will require addressing broader security concerns rather than focusing solely on a ceasefire. Moscow maintains that negotiations should produce durable arrangements that take into account Russia’s security interests alongside efforts to end the fighting.
The NATO summit in Ankara has taken place against the backdrop of continued diplomatic engagement between Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv, even as military operations continue. Reuters also reported that the Kremlin said it was closely monitoring the outcome of the alliance’s meeting.
Trump’s meeting with Zelensky was expected to focus on the battlefield situation, continued military support for Ukraine, and prospects for future negotiations. Earlier at the summit, the Associated Press reported that Trump announced the US would license Ukraine to produce Patriot air defense systems, signaling continued security cooperation with Kyiv.
The latest remarks add another dimension to Trump’s approach toward the conflict, combining recognition of Russia’s military and economic weight with ongoing engagement with Ukraine and NATO allies as diplomatic efforts continue alongside the war.
