Putin viewed as 'great competitor' but still a US 'adversary' as Ukraine negotiations loom, Leavitt says

The Trump administration simultaneously views Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "great competitor" and "adversary" as it hashes out negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a Wednesday press conference, reported from Fox News.

"I believe this nation views Putin and Russia as a great competitor in the region, at times an adversary," Leavitt said when asked how President Donald Trump views Russia and Putin. "But as the president has said, as well, he enjoys having good diplomatic relations with leaders around the world. Finding that common ground, also calling them out when they are wrong. Leading from a position of peace through strength. That's the president's greatest strength."

Just ahead of the Wednesday afternoon press conference, Trump announced on Truth Social that he had spoken to Putin on the phone and the two had agreed to begin negotiations over ending the war in Ukraine.

"We agreed to work together, very closely, including visiting each other’s Nations," Trump posted to Truth Social. "We have also agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately, and we will begin by calling President Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, to inform him of the conversation, something which I will be doing right now. I have asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of the CIA John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Ambassador and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, to lead the negotiations which, I feel strongly, will be successful."