Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his congratulations to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump just hours before Trump’s inauguration in Washington, expressing his willingness to engage in discussions with the incoming U.S. administration regarding Ukraine and nuclear arms.
During a televised meeting of Russia’s Security Council, Putin emphasized his desire for a sustainable peace in Ukraine rather than a temporary ceasefire. He remarked, “We acknowledge the statements from the newly elected president of the United States and his team regarding their intention to re-establish direct communication with Russia.” He also noted Trump’s commitment to taking measures to avert a potential World War Three, stating, “We certainly appreciate this perspective and congratulate the newly elected president of the United States on assuming office.”
Putin’s remarks indicate a cautious optimism in Russia that Trump might initiate efforts to mend the strained relations between Washington and Moscow, which have deteriorated to their lowest point since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, many Russian officials publicly acknowledge that such optimism may be unfounded.
Typically holding Security Council meetings on Fridays, Putin mentioned that Russia is prepared to discuss a variety of critical international issues with the new administration, including nuclear arms, security, and the situation in Ukraine. While Trump has vowed to quickly resolve the conflict in Ukraine, he has not provided specific details on how he intends to achieve this. Putin has previously indicated his readiness for negotiations, but he insists that Russia’s territorial acquisitions and claims must be recognized, a condition that the Ukrainian leadership has firmly rejected as an unacceptable concession.
In addressing the situation in Ukraine, I want to stress that the objective should not be merely a temporary ceasefire or a pause that permits forces to regroup and rearm. Instead, we must aim for a sustainable peace that honors the legitimate interests of all individuals and communities in the region, as stated by Putin on Monday.
He also expressed Moscow’s willingness to engage in discussions regarding nuclear arms control and broader security matters.
The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, known as New START, which limits the number of strategic nuclear warheads that the United States and Russia can maintain, along with the deployment of land- and submarine-based missiles and bombers, is set to expire on February 5, 2026. This treaty represents the last significant framework for nuclear arms control between the two largest nuclear powers in the world.
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