On Friday, The Kremlin said that President Vladimir Putin was open to talks with Donald Trump, after the incoming US president said a meeting between the pair was being set up.
Trump has stated earlier that he will work to end the Ukraine-Russia war as his first priority upon taking office. Russia has expressed openness to the idea and has set no preconditions for a potential face-to-face meeting.
“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,” he continued referencing the ongoing war.
“We need a mutual desire and political willingness to engage in a dialogue,” Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesperson said. “We see that Mr. Trump also declares his readiness to solve issues via dialogue. “We welcome that.”
The Kremlin believes there is “mutual interest” in a meeting between Putin and Trump, but emphasised that progress will likely begin after Trump takes office. Peskov did not confirm that Putin directly requested a meeting. “it looks like things will start to move after Trump enters the Oval Office.”
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials are worried that U.S. aid may decrease under Trump, potentially jeopardising their defense against Russia. The Biden administration continues to provide military support to Ukraine, preparing it for future negotiations.
Peskov acknowledged that the Biden administration may leave a challenging legacy for Trump in U.S.-Russia relations
