Putin Congratulates Trump, Seeks Dialogue for Lasting Peace in Ukraine, Welcomes Preventing World War III

Jan 20, 2025, 02:29 PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on his inauguration as U.S. President and expressed openness to dialogue with the new U.S. administration regarding the conflict in Ukraine. During a meeting with Russia's Security Council, Putin emphasized that the goal of such dialogue should be a lasting peace that respects the legitimate interests of all people in the region, rather than a temporary ceasefire. He welcomed Trump's desire to prevent a third world war and to restore direct contacts between Moscow and Washington. Putin instructed Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to report on developments in the United States and stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of the crisis.