Putin sets the stage for peace talks hours before Trump takes office

During the publicly released portion of the meeting, Putin congratulated Trump on his inauguration and expressed willingness to engage in a “fair and mutually respectful dialogue” with the new US administration.

“We observe the statements of the newly elected US president and his team about their intention to restore direct contacts with Russia, which were severed not by our fault under the outgoing administration. We also hear his remarks about the need to prevent a Third World War. Naturally, we welcome this attitude and congratulate the elected US president on assuming office,” Putin stated.

He added that Russia had allegedly never rejected dialogue with the US and was prepared to maintain “equal cooperative relations.”

“I emphasize, we have never refused dialogue and have always been ready to maintain equal relations of cooperation with any US administration. I have said this many times. We proceed from the premise that dialogue will be built on an equal and mutually respectful basis, considering the significant role our countries play on key global agenda issues, including strengthening strategic stability and security,” the Kremlin leader said.

Putin also claimed he was “ready” to discuss peaceful resolution of the “Ukrainian conflict.”

“The most important thing is to address the root causes of the crisis, which we have repeatedly pointed out. That is the key issue. As for resolving the situation, I want to emphasize: the goal should not be a temporary ceasefire, a short-term pause for regrouping forces and rearming to continue the conflict later, but a lasting peace based on respect for the legitimate interests of all people and nations living in the region,” Putin asserted.

On Jan. 20, Bloomberg columnist Marc Champion wrote that Trump must strengthen Ukraine’s position to convince Russian dictator Vladimir Putin that he cannot win, forcing him to negotiate.

Champion questioned whether Trump, who had achieved his first success in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza, could similarly succeed in Ukraine. He concluded, “Absolutely not.”

“At least not under the conditions the Kremlin is currently willing to consider. It wouldn’t be the peace agreement Ukrainians want, but rather a capitulation,” Champion wrote.

On Jan. 9, during a speech at Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Donald Trump stated that Putin wanted to meet with him and that negotiations were already being organized.

Earlier, on Jan. 7, Trump said he planned to meet with Putin after his inauguration.

However, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) warned that no negotiations would lead to meaningful or lasting peace as long as “Putin remains committed to his prewar demands” of Ukraine’s complete capitulation and the weakening of NATO.