Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on his swearing-in as U.S. President, expressing support for the incoming administration’s stance on key international issues.
In a statement to Russian news agencies during a meeting of the National Security Council on Monday, Putin acknowledged Trump’s calls for restoring direct communication between Moscow and Washington and his commitment to preventing a third world war.
“We certainly welcome this approach and congratulate the President-elect of the United States on his inauguration,” Putin said.
The Russian president also indicated his readiness to engage in discussions with the new U.S. administration regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
He emphasized that Russia is seeking long-term peace, rather than a temporary ceasefire, to avoid future hostilities.
For nearly three years, Russia has been engaged in a devastating war against Ukraine.
Moscow has consistently accused Ukraine’s government of oppressing its Russian-speaking citizens, while also expressing concerns over Ukraine’s potential NATO membership, which it views as a security threat.
In addition to territorial concessions, Russia demands that Ukraine renounce any ambitions for a powerful military and abandon its NATO aspirations.
Moscow also claims the right to protect the Russian-speaking population in Ukraine and to have a say in the country’s future political landscape.
