Trump-Putin Issue Unprecedented Joint Statement: "Setting Aside Differences to Cooperate"

by Jeong Hyunjin

Published 26 Apr.2020 07:50(KST)

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin unusually issued a joint statement on the 25th (local time), emphasizing cooperation. This statement commemorates the day in 1945 during World War II when U.S. and Soviet troops met at the Elbe River while conducting a joint offensive.

According to The Hill, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), and others, Presidents Trump and Putin stated in the joint statement that "we face the most significant challenges of the 21st century" and "we pay tribute to all the courage fighting together against fascism."

They evaluated that the handshake between the two countries' troops at the damaged bridge over the Elbe River foreshadowed the decisive defeat of the German Nazi regime. They added, "It represents the pinnacle of great efforts among many countries and peoples united under the framework of the 1942 United Nations (UN) declaration," emphasizing that "the Elbe spirit is an example of how our countries can set aside differences, build trust, and cooperate to pursue a greater cause."

WSJ explained that the joint statement commemorating the Elbe meeting is so rare that it is the first in 10 years since then U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in 2010. At that time, President Obama sought to reset relations with President Medvedev, who took office in 2008, and had just signed the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) to reduce long-range nuclear weapons with Russia.

However, WSJ reported that this statement sparked controversy within the Trump administration and raised concerns among some lawmakers. The statement was made amid clashes between the U.S. and Russia over various issues, including some Russian military actions threatening U.S. forces, support for Syria, and the spread of misinformation related to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Some officials within the Trump administration reportedly expressed concerns about the decision to issue the statement, fearing it might weaken the U.S.'s stern message toward Russia.

Earlier this month, the Russian ambassador to the U.S. announced that the commemorative event planned between officials of the two countries to celebrate the Elbe meeting was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. President Putin invited President Trump to the Victory Day event commemorating the end of World War II on the 9th of next month, but President Trump decided to send Robert O'Brien, the White House National Security Council (NSC) advisor, as his representative. However, the event was eventually postponed due to COVID-19.