ANCHORAGE, ALASKA — As pictures of the historic meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spread online, people started to ask the same question: Does Vladimir Putin know English?
Yes, according to several publications and Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin. People say that Putin speaks and understands English very well. But he doesn’t often use it in public or at work; instead, he prefers to talk to people through a translator.
A strategic decision for accuracy and control
Peskov said that Putin “often speaks English by himself” in casual circumstances, including on the sidelines of a summit. However, during formal talks, he always needs a translator to make sure his messages are clear. Peskov further added that Putin “practically understands English completely and sometimes even corrects the translators.” This strategic option lets him keep control over the subtlety and exact wording of his words, which is very important in high-stakes diplomatic conversations.
This was seen at the recent summit in Alaska, where Trump and Putin rode together in the presidential limousine and talked to each other without interpreters, according to a story in the New York Times.
A Tough Stance and Other Languages
Putin speaks German fluently in addition to Russian and English. He learned this talent while working as a KGB operative in East Germany in the 1980s. He has spoken German in international talks, most notably with Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany.
The main goal of the meeting between Trump and Putin was to find a way to end the war in Ukraine. Before the meeting, Trump said he wanted a quick end to the fighting, adding, “I want the killing to stop,” and that he would not be “happy if it’s not today.” The two leaders talked about things they agreed on, but they didn’t say what they would do next to end the fighting.