Russian President Vladimir Putin extended congratulations to the U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on his inauguration, signaling Moscow’s openness to dialogue with the new administration. As tensions remain high over the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Putin expressed hope for improved relations with Washington under Trump’s leadership.
Newsweek reached out to the Trump-Vance transition team for comment but has not yet received a response.
Trump’s bold claims on ending the war in Ukraine
Trump has consistently pledged to bring a swift end to the nearly three-year war in Ukraine. Throughout his political career, he has repeatedly claimed he could resolve the conflict in “24 hours” if given the opportunity. Trump, who previously served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021, has pointed to his rapport with world leaders, including Putin, as a potential advantage in negotiations.
“The main thing is to resolve the original causes of the crises,” Putin said in a statement broadcast on Russian state media. Addressing Trump’s assertions, the Russian leader voiced a desire for a “long-term peace based on respect for the legitimate interests of all people, all nations living in this region.” However, he cautioned against temporary ceasefires or pauses that might allow either side to regroup for continued conflict.
Trump has suggested that concessions may be necessary on both sides to achieve peace, an idea that has been met with resistance from Ukraine. Kyiv has categorically rejected any notion of ceding territory to Moscow and remains firm in its aspirations to join NATO. Meanwhile, Putin has demanded that Ukraine abandon its NATO ambitions as part of any potential settlement.
Putin’s criticism of Biden and hope for reconciliation
Before offering his congratulations to Trump, Putin criticized outgoing President Joe Biden for the deterioration in U.S.-Russia relations. He attributed much of the breakdown to the Biden administration’s response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Putin remarked that the strained ties between the two nations were “not through any fault of ours.”
Putin expressed optimism about Trump’s calls to restore communication channels between Washington and Moscow. “We see the statement of the newly elected U.S. President and members of his team about the desire to restore direct contacts with Russia, which were interrupted through no fault of ours by the outgoing administration,” Putin stated during a meeting with the Russian Security Council.
The Russian leader also acknowledged Trump’s commitment to preventing further global conflict. “We hear his statement about the need to do everything to prevent a third world war. Of course, we welcome this attitude and congratulate the elected President of the U.S. on taking office,” Putin said.
Notably, the Kremlin had confirmed last month that Putin was not invited to attend Trump’s inauguration. Despite this, the Russian president’s message underscores a willingness to engage with the new administration.
What lies ahead?
According to reports from CNN, Trump is expected to phone Putin shortly after being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. This call could mark the beginning of renewed dialogue between Washington and Moscow, with potential implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
As the world watches, Trump’s approach to navigating this delicate situation remains to be seen. His promises of swift action have raised both hope and skepticism, particularly given the entrenched positions of both Russia and Ukraine. Whether Trump’s leadership can lead to meaningful progress in resolving the war remains one of the most pressing international questions of his presidency.
