Kremlin Spokesman Peskov Hopes for Dialogue
In an interview with the New York Times (NYT), Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on the possibility of a resumption of dialogue between Russia and the United States following the political change in Washington. Peskov stressed that while there is currently no dialogue between the two countries, there is “modest hope” for the resumption of at least low-level communication.
Peskov stated that Russia’s expectations on this issue should not be exaggerated and said, “Statements made during the election campaign have a meaning, but everything can change when that person enters the Oval Office.” In this context, he pointed out that Donald Trump’s statements on resolving the Ukrainian crisis have increased the likelihood of the Republican politician’s contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Finally, at a reception organised for the America First Policy Institute at his mansion in Mar-a-Lago, Trump stated that they will actively work on Russia and Ukraine and said : “It’s time to end this conflict. It is time for Russia and Ukraine to stop.” After winning the presidential elections, he frequently criticised the current US government’s approach to Ukraine, describing President Vladimir Zelensky as a peddler who received billions of dollars in aid from Washington.
The new president ofthe White House had promised to resolve the Ukrainian crisis through negotiations in just 24 hours if he won the election.
Putin’s Assessment of Trump
Speaking at the annual general session of theValday International Discussion Club, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his congratulations to Donald Trump for winning the presidential elections. Putin said that he found Trump’s statements on the Ukraine crisis remarkable. “It is at least noteworthy that Trump expressed his desire to improve relations with Russia and contribute to the resolution of the Ukrainian crisis,” Putin said.
To the question “Are you saying that you are ready to lead with Trump?” Putin replied “I am ready” and continued his words as follows: “I don’t think it would be embarrassing for me to call Trump, but I don’t do it. There was a time when the leaders of the Western states used to call me almost every week, and then suddenly this communication stopped. They don’t want to call; they don’t have to call. As you can see, we are alive and healthy, we are developing and progressing. If one of these leaders wants to make contact, I have always said and I repeat: we have no prejudice against it.”
