The Kremlin announced on Friday that President Vladimir Putin is open to talks with Donald Trump, following the incoming US president’s statement that a meeting is being arranged between the two. Trump, set to be inaugurated on January 20, has expressed confidence in quickly ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, though without providing a detailed plan.
Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, affirmed that the president has consistently expressed his willingness to engage with international leaders, including Trump. Trump, during a meeting with Republican governors, mentioned that Putin is eager to meet and that they aim to resolve the ongoing conflict, which he described as a “bloody mess.”
Peskov welcomed Trump’s willingness to engage in dialogue, emphasizing that no preconditions are needed, but mutual political will is essential to solving the issue. Trump’s intention to end the war swiftly has raised concerns in Kyiv that Ukraine may be pressured into a peace deal favorable to Moscow. Ukraine has relied heavily on US support, with President Volodymyr Zelensky advocating for NATO protections and security guarantees as part of any peace agreement.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry responded skeptically to Trump’s statements, reiterating that the country seeks a fair resolution to the war.
