Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump talk during a bilateral meeting at the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 28, 2019. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo
Putin Open to Discussions with Trump on Ukraine, but Moscow’s Demands Remain Firm
Kremlin Reaffirms Russia’s Position on Ukraine Conflict
The Kremlin has indicated that President Vladimir Putin is open to discussing the ongoing Ukraine conflict with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, though it clarified that this does not imply any change to Russia’s existing demands. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov underscored this position during a daily briefing, explaining that Russia’s goals regarding Ukraine have not shifted.
Russia’s Security Interests Remain Unchanged
According to Peskov, Putin has consistently stated that Russia’s objectives in the Ukraine operation remain firm, pointing to the country’s security concerns and the interests of Russian citizens in contested regions. “The president has never suggested that the goals of the special military operation are changing. On the contrary, he has repeatedly affirmed that they remain the same,” Peskov stated, emphasizing that discussions do not signal an alteration of Russia’s fundamental position.
Putin’s Terms for Conflict Resolution
In an address on June 14, Putin outlined conditions for resolving the Ukraine conflict. He called on Ukraine to renounce aspirations of NATO membership and to withdraw all forces from four eastern Ukrainian regions currently claimed by Russia. Ukraine has rejected these terms, describing them as a demand for capitulation. President Volodymyr Zelensky has instead proposed a “victory plan” that requests further Western military assistance for Ukraine.
Trump’s Stance on U.S. Support for Ukraine
On the campaign trail, Trump expressed reservations about the level of U.S. military and financial support provided to Ukraine. He has claimed he could resolve the conflict within 24 hours, though he has not shared details on how he would achieve this. Responding to Trump’s statements, Zelensky congratulated the president-elect but voiced skepticism, saying, “If it’s just fast, it means losses for Ukraine. I just don’t yet understand how this could be in any other way. Maybe we do not know something, do not see.”
Putin Congratulates Trump, Expresses Willingness for Dialogue
On Thursday, Putin extended congratulations to Trump on his election victory and praised him for the courage shown during a July assassination attempt. Putin further acknowledged Trump’s comments on ending the war, noting they “deserved attention” and reiterating Russia’s readiness for dialogue.
Prospective Contact Between Trump and Putin
In an interview with NBC, Trump disclosed that he has not spoken with Putin since his electoral victory but indicated that a conversation could occur in the near future. “I think we’ll speak,” he remarked. Peskov, however, said there were no concrete plans yet for a call between the two leaders, adding it would be premature to discuss any potential improvements in U.S.-Russia relations.
Historic Low in U.S.-Russia Relations
The Kremlin has noted that relations between Moscow and Washington have reached an “historic low” due to U.S. support for Ukraine and the imposition of sanctions on Russia. Putin last spoke to U.S. President Joe Biden in February 2022, days before the Ukraine invasion, when Biden warned of a severe Western response to any military escalation.
Kremlin Dismisses Reports of Trump-Putin Conversations Since 2021
The Kremlin recently denied reports that Trump and Putin have communicated since Trump left office. In Bob Woodward’s book War, an anonymous aide claimed that Trump and Putin may have spoken as many as seven times since 2021. The Kremlin dismissed this as speculation.
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