Russian President Vladimir Putin extended congratulations to U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, expressing a readiness to engage in dialogue with the incoming administration.
“We hear [Trump’s] statements on the need to prevent World War III. We undoubtedly welcome this stance and congratulate the elected U.S. president,” Putin said during a televised session of Russia’s Security Council.
Putin emphasized the potential for improved U.S.-Russia relations, citing remarks from Trump and his team about re-establishing direct communication. “We see [Trump’s] and his team’s statements on their wish to restore direct contacts with Russia, which the outgoing [Biden] administration had severed through no fault of our own,” he stated.
The Russian leader reiterated Moscow’s willingness to cooperate with any U.S. administration, provided such relations are built on “equality and mutual respect.” He added that Russia has “never turned down this dialogue” and remains open to pursuing constructive engagement.
Putin’s remarks signaled a shift from the Kremlin’s tone in November, when it refrained from congratulating Trump on his unexpected election victory, describing the United States as “unfriendly” toward Russia.
Relations between Washington and Moscow have been at historic lows since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which triggered a wave of Western sanctions. Trump, however, has consistently praised Putin, asserting that he maintains a “very good relationship” with the Russian president.
During his campaign, Trump pledged to end the war in Ukraine swiftly. Meanwhile, Putin on Monday underscored the need for a long-term resolution based on mutual interests, rejecting the idea of a temporary ceasefire, which he described as a tactic to “regroup, rearm, and continue the conflict.”
