By Dmitry Antonov
MOSCOW (Reuters) – The Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday that Russia appreciates U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s expressed readiness to address issues through dialogue. Peskov reiterated Russian President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to engage in discussions with Trump, hinting at the possibility of a meeting between the two leaders following Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
While Trump had indicated the scheduling of a meeting with Putin, no specific timeline was provided. Throughout his election campaign, Trump had asserted his capability to swiftly end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, though more recent suggestions from him and his advisors imply a resolution could take months after assuming office.
Anticipation surrounds the potential for diplomatic progress as Trump prepares to return to the White House, although concerns have been raised in Kyiv about the implications of a hurried peace agreement for Ukraine. Peskov emphasized Putin’s openness to dialogue with global leaders, stressing that no prerequisites were necessary aside from a shared willingness and political resolve to address issues through dialogue.
“We observe Mr. Trump’s expressed readiness for dialogue to resolve problems, which we welcome,” Peskov remarked. While there are no concrete plans for a meeting yet, Russia is operating under the assumption that both sides are receptive to the idea. “It appears that there will be some developments after Mr. Trump assumes the presidency,” Peskov added.
Trump’s assertion on Thursday that “President Putin wants to meet” and his desire to end the ongoing conflict underscore a potential shift in diplomatic dynamics. However, proposed strategies by Trump’s advisors to potentially cede significant territories to Russia have sparked concerns.
Peskov reaffirmed Russia’s stance, referring to Putin’s previous statements in June outlining conditions for ending the conflict, including Ukraine’s abandonment of NATO aspirations and complete withdrawal from disputed regions under Russian influence.
While expressing optimism towards Trump, Peskov criticized outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration for its alleged intent to prolong the conflict in its final days, including the possibility of imposing new sanctions on Russia. Peskov suggested that the Biden administration aims to leave a contentious legacy in bilateral relations for the incoming Trump administration.
As the political landscape transitions, the prospect of renewed dialogue between the United States and Russia hangs in the balance, with both countries signaling a willingness to engage in discussions to address longstanding issues. The evolving dynamic between the two leaders may hold significant implications for the future of international relations.
(Reporting by Dmitry Antonov, writing by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
