The Kremlin announced on Friday that President Vladimir Putin is receptive to discussions with Donald Trump.
This comes after Trump, set to be inaugurated on January 20, indicated that a meeting is being organized between them.
Trump claims he can swiftly resolve the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, although he has not provided a specific plan. “The president has consistently expressed his willingness to engage with international leaders, including Trump,” stated Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, during a press briefing.
On Thursday, Trump confirmed that arrangements for a meeting with Putin were underway.
“He wants to meet, and we’re coordinating that,” Trump mentioned while addressing Republican governors at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
Trump emphasized, “President Putin has publicly expressed his desire to meet, and we must conclude this bloody conflict.”
His remarks highlight the urgency to address the war’s ongoing devastation.
The Kremlin welcomed Trump’s willingness to address issues through dialogue.
Peskov further mentioned that Moscow has no preconditions for the meeting, stating, “Mutual desire and political will are essential for resolving problems through dialogue.”
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In Kyiv, officials worry about Trump’s optimism for a swift resolution, fearing it might pressure Ukraine into a pro-Russia peace deal.
Since Russia’s military offensive began in February 2022, Washington has provided substantial aid to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asserted that without this support, Ukraine would likely have lost the conflict. He urges Trump to endorse his “peace-through-strength” strategy, which includes seeking NATO protections and solid security guarantees from the West.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry reacted skeptically to Trump’s comments about a potential meeting with Putin. Spokesman Georgiy Tykhy noted, “Trump has previously discussed plans for such a meeting, so there’s nothing new here.”
Tykhy stated, “We in Ukraine desire a fair end to the war. President Trump also seeks to conclude it,” according to Interfax Ukraine.
Ukraine will prepare for high-level talks with Washington “immediately” after the inauguration, potentially involving discussions between Trump and Zelensky.
