Moscow: The Russian government expressed its support on Friday for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s willingness to resolve issues through negotiations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to engage in talks with Trump.
Peskov informed reporters that there could be progress in arranging a meeting between Putin and Trump after Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Trump had mentioned on Thursday that arrangements for the meeting were in progress, but no specific timeline had been set.
During his election campaign, Trump had claimed that he could end the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours. However, in recent days, he suggested that the issue could be resolved in a few months.
Russia’s Position Peskov reiterated that Putin has repeatedly expressed his readiness to engage with international leaders, including Trump. He emphasized that no preconditions were necessary, only mutual desire and political will to engage in talks and resolve the issues.
Peskov further stated that while no specific plans had been made for a meeting yet, Russia is working towards ensuring readiness from both sides. “Obviously, once Trump enters the Oval Office, progress will be made.”
Trump stated on Thursday, “President Putin wants to meet. He has publicly said it, and we need to end this war. It’s a bloody issue.”
Trump’s Advisors’ Plans Trump’s advisors have considered proposals for ending the war, which include the suggestion of giving Russia control over large parts of Ukraine.
Peskov mentioned that Russia’s stance aligns with Putin’s statement from June, in which he said that Russia is willing to end the war provided Ukraine abandons its desire to join NATO and fully withdraws from the four regions partially controlled by Russia, which it has claimed as its own.
Criticism of Joe Biden While praising Trump, Peskov strongly criticized current President Joe Biden. He stated that the Biden administration would, in its final days, “make every effort to continue the war,” including the possibility of imposing further sanctions on Russia.
