Russian President Vladimir Putin says he's ready to talk peace in Ukraine with Trump
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated U.S. President-elect Donald Trump just hours before his inauguration, expressing openness to dialogue with the new U.S. administration on issues like Ukraine and nuclear arms.
During a meeting with Russia's Security Council, broadcast on state TV, Putin emphasized that his goal for Ukraine was long-term peace, not just a temporary ceasefire.
“We see the statements by the newly elected president of the United States and his team about their desire to restore direct contacts with Russia,” Putin said. “We also hear his call to do everything possible to prevent World War Three. We certainly welcome this stance and congratulate the elected president of the United States on taking office.”
Putin’s remarks reflect cautious optimism in Russia that Trump may be able to help mend U.S.-Russia relations, which have plummeted to their lowest point since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis due to Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. However, many Russian officials have acknowledged that these hopes may ultimately prove unfulfilled.
Although Putin usually holds Security Council meetings on Fridays, this one took place on a Monday. He stated that Russia was ready to engage in discussions with the new U.S. administration on key global issues, including nuclear arms and security, as well as the situation in Ukraine.
Trump has promised to end the war in Ukraine swiftly, though he has not provided specific details on how he intends to achieve that.
Putin has previously stated that Russia is open to talks but insists that its territorial gains and claims must be recognized—an outcome the Ukrainian government has firmly rejected as an unacceptable surrender.
'Long-term peace'
Regarding Ukraine, Putin reiterated that the goal should be a lasting peace, not a temporary ceasefire. "The objective should not be a brief ceasefire or a period of respite that simply allows for regrouping and rearming, but a lasting peace that respects the legitimate interests of all the people and nations in the region," Putin said.
He also suggested that Russia was ready to discuss nuclear arms control and broader security issues.
The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which limits the number of strategic nuclear warheads and the deployment of land- and submarine-based missiles and bombers, is set to expire on February 5, 2026. It remains the last major nuclear arms control agreement between the world’s two largest nuclear powers.