Moscow Congratulates on Trump’s Inauguration, Welcomes Rekindling of Ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his country’s gratitude for the newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump’s willingness to reestablish direct contacts between the two nations. Putin made the statement at a meeting of the Russian National Security Council on Monday.
“We have been listening to the statements of the newly elected US President and his team regarding their desire to reestablish direct contacts with Russia, which were halted during the outgoing administration” Putin said. “We also hear his words on the need to do everything to prevent a third world war.”
Putin added that Moscow welcomes such an attitude and congratulates Trump on his inauguration.
Moscow never “refused the conversation” with Washington, and has consistently expressed its readiness to engage with any US administration, the Russian President emphasized. Russia will remain true to its principles and believes that the conversation must be built on an equal and mutually respectful foundation, Putin stressed.
Trump has repeatedly signaled his intention to speak with Putin, with the goal of ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Last week, the new US President announced that he plans to meet with Putin “very soon” after his inauguration.
“I know he [Putin] wants to meet, and I will meet him very soon” Trump said on Monday last week. “I would have done it earlier, but. one has to take office first.”
A possible personal meeting between the two heads of state is likely to precede a phone call. Moscow has consistently expressed its readiness to engage in talks with the new administration. According to the Kremlin, however, no details have been agreed upon regarding the timing and location of a meeting between Trump and Putin.