Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said that he is ready to discuss Ukraine with Donald Trump, the US president-elect, whilst maintaining Moscow’s established position and objectives regarding Ukraine, according to a Kremlin statement.
When questioned about potential communications between Trump and Putin, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated there were no definite arrangements to report, and cautioned against premature expectations of enhanced Russia-US relations.
However, Peskov emphasised that Putin has consistently demonstrated his openness to dialogue.
Putin congratulates Trump after victory
Following Trump’s electoral victory, Putin extended his congratulations on Thursday, commending Trump’s bravery during an attempted assassination, and expressed Russia‘s readiness for dialogue with the incoming Republican president.
In his first public comments about Trump’s victory, Putin spoke at a forum in Sochi where his remarks appeared carefully chosen to appeal to the president-elect’s known appreciation for praise.
“He turned out to be a courageous person,” said Putin, referencing Trump’s conduct after a gunman fired shots at him during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 14. “People show who they are in extraordinary circumstances. This is where a person reveals himself. And he showed himself, in my opinion, in a very correct manner, courageously. Like a man.”
Putin noted that Trump had faced opposition from various quarters during the campaign, a sentiment likely to resonate with Trump. He expressed interest in Trump’s stance on Ukraine and Russia, stating, “What was said about the desire to restore relations with Russia, to bring about the end of the Ukrainian crisis in my opinion this deserves attention at least.”
Regarding diplomatic relations, Putin expressed readiness for dialogue with Trump, whilst criticising other leaders who had ceased regular communication, Guardian reported.
In a Thursday NBC interview, Trump confirmed Putin wasn’t amongst the world leaders he had spoken with, though he anticipated communication soon. “I think we’ll speak,” Trump stated.
Despite Putin’s apparent support for Kamala Harris during the campaign, delivered with a telling smirk, this endorsement appeared disingenuous. Russia has historically valued Trump’s disruptive influence, and Russian authorities faced accusations of extensive interference in the 2016 election supporting Trump.
Putin likely monitored statements from Trump and running mate JD Vance regarding the cessation of Ukrainian military aid. Trump’s campaign promise to achieve peace in Ukraine “within 24 hours” lacked specific details, raising concerns among NATO allies about potential demands for Ukrainian capitulation to Russia.