Putin Congratulates Trump on Inauguration, Says Russia Is Open to Talks on Ukraine

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on assuming the presidency of the United States and expressed his willingness to engage in talks about Ukraine, according to Russian state media RIA Novosti on January 20.

During a meeting of Russia's Security Council, Putin extended his congratulations on Trump's presidency and expressed Moscow's readiness to engage in dialogue with the new US administration concerning his war against Ukraine.

He emphasized that the goal should be long-term peace rather than a temporary ceasefire or a pause for military regrouping. "The goal should be a lasting peace based on respect for the legitimate interests of all people and nations in the region," Putin stated.

Putin also noted that any future talks with the United States should occur on an "equal and mutually respectful basis.”

On his inauguration day, US President Donald Trump confirmed plans for a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Trump stated, “He wants to meet, and we are setting it up,” while Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the intention but noted that formal requests had not yet been made.

Earlier in January, Putin’s aide Nikolai Patrushev claimed that Ukraine may “cease to exist” by 2025, despite describing the Ukrainian people as “close, brotherly, and bound to Russia by centuries-old ties.”