PARIS, August 12. /TASS/. Normalizing relations with Russia is a major goal for US President Donald Trump whereas Ukrainian settlement is of secondary importance for him, a French diplomat said.
"The American leader has only one goal and it is to normalize relations with Russia. This is what is of paramount importance for him. Ukraine is not his major concern," Jean de Gliniasty, France’s former Ambassador to Moscow (2009-2013), said in an interview with the TF1 television channel, commenting on the upcoming Russia-US summit in Alaska.
"Ultimatums are senseless in dialogue with Russia. On the contrary. They work only with those who are driven into a corner or already lost a war," he added.
US President Donald Trump said earlier that he hopes to hold a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15. The date and venue were later confirmed by Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov, who said that the Russian and US presidents will focus on discussing options for reaching a lasting settlement of the Ukrainian crisis. The Kremlin, in his words, expects that the two leaders will meet in Russia’s territory after their talks in Alaska.