Moscow: The Kremlin has expressed its approval of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s stated commitment to resolving global issues through dialogue. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin, reaffirmed Putin’s openness to discussions with Trump, describing the possibility of future talks as a step toward resolving pressing global challenges.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Peskov indicated that preliminary progress on arranging a meeting between Trump and Putin could begin after Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Trump recently mentioned that plans for a meeting with Putin are in motion, though he did not specify a timeline.
Dialogue as a Path to Resolution
Trump’s campaign rhetoric emphasized his belief that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war could be brought to an end within 24 hours of taking office. More recently, his advisers have suggested that resolving the conflict may take months, but hopes for a diplomatic solution have surged with his impending return to the White House.
However, Trump’s potential peace efforts have drawn mixed reactions. While Moscow views his dialogue-based approach positively, concerns are growing in Kyiv about a peace deal that could involve significant concessions to Russia.
Peskov highlighted Putin’s readiness to engage with international leaders, including Trump, without preconditions. “No conditions are required for this—only mutual desire and political will to conduct a dialogue and resolve existing problems through dialogue,” he said.
“We see that Mr. Trump also declares his readiness to resolve problems through dialogue, and we welcome this,” Peskov added.
Progress on a Meeting
While there are no immediate plans for a Trump-Putin meeting, Peskov noted that Russia anticipates movement in that direction after Trump takes office. “Apparently, after Mr. Trump enters the Oval Office, there will be some movement,” Peskov said.
Trump, addressing the conflict, remarked on Thursday, “President Putin wants to meet. He has said that even publicly, and we have to get that war over with. That’s a bloody mess.”
Advisers to Trump have proposed strategies to end the war, some of which could involve Ukraine ceding significant territories to Russia. Such proposals align with Russia’s consistent position, as outlined by Putin last June, when he called for Ukraine to renounce its NATO ambitions and relinquish claims to regions Russia has declared as its own. Kyiv has firmly rejected these terms, calling them equivalent to surrender.
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Criticism of Biden Administration
While signaling optimism about Trump’s approach, Peskov criticized the outgoing Biden administration. He accused President Joe Biden’s team of taking measures to prolong the conflict during its final days in office, including potential new sanctions against Russia.
“We are aware that the administration will certainly try to leave the most burdensome legacy in terms of bilateral relations for the incoming Trump and his associates,” Peskov stated.
