Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, congratulated Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, on his inauguration day and expressed hope for a fresh conversation between Washington and Moscow.
According to Reuters, Putin emphasized his willingness to have talks on important international topics, such as the conflict in Ukraine and nuclear arms control, during a rare meeting of the Russian Security Council on Monday that was broadcast on state media.
“We see the statements by the newly elected president of the United States and members of his team about the desire to restore direct contacts with Russia,” Putin remarked.
He also praised Trump’s pledge to prevent international strife.
“We also hear his statement about the need to do everything possible to prevent World War Three. We, of course, welcome this attitude and congratulate the elected president of the United States of America on taking office.”
According to Reuters, this comment demonstrates cautious hope in the Kremlin that Trump would open the door for a thaw in U.S.-Russian ties, which have been at their lowest level since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.
Russian officials, however, privately admit that Washington’s convoluted agenda might shatter these dreams.
In his remarks about the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, Putin emphasized the need for long-term solutions as opposed to short-term fixes.
“The goal should not be a brief ceasefire, not some kind of period of respite that would allow a regrouping and rearmament of forces, but a long-term peace based on respect for the legitimate interests of all people and all peoples who live in the region,” he said.
Putin has expressed a willingness to engage in discussion, but his demand that Russia’s territorial claims be acknowledged—a position that Ukraine has rejected—remains a bone of contention.
Trump has promised to put an immediate stop to the war, but he has not yet explained how he intends to do so without jeopardizing American and allied interests.
Putin also indicated that Moscow is open to talks over nuclear arms control, specifically the extension of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which is scheduled to expire on February 5, 2026.
The two biggest nuclear powers in the world still abide by this deal as the final framework governing their nuclear arsenals.
At the time this article was filed, Trump’s swearing-in was only an hour or two away, and his inauguration event was already in progress.
The momentous occasion ushers in an administration that has created both excitement and apprehension, especially in light of US-Russian ties and worldwide geopolitical changes.