Nobody expected this.
In a video call with Russia’s Security Council ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Trump and emphasized Russia’s openness to restoring dialogue with the United States. Putin acknowledged Trump’s statements about prioritizing communication with Moscow and criticized the outgoing Biden administration for worsening relations between the two nations.
Under President Biden, direct communication with Russia has been largely limited, especially after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While certain exchanges have occurred, such as a significant prisoner swap in August, high-level talks have been few and far between. The Pentagon and Russia’s Defense Ministry have, at times, maintained communication to prevent escalation, but the broader diplomatic channels have remained tense.
Putin took particular note of Trump’s public stance on preventing a global conflict, which he welcomed. “We also heard his [Trump’s] statement about the need to do everything to stop a third world war. We welcome this stance and congratulate the new president of the U.S. on his inauguration,” Putin remarked, according to Russian state news agency TASS.
Additionally, Putin expressed Russia’s willingness to engage in talks with the U.S. over the “Ukrainian conflict,” urging a resolution that addresses the “root causes of the crisis.” Russia continues to frame its actions in Ukraine as a defensive effort against the West and NATO, portraying the conflict as part of a broader struggle against Western encroachment.
For his part, Trump has made it clear that ending the war in Ukraine will be a top priority if he returns to office. He has hinted at the possibility of a meeting with Putin soon after his inauguration, seeking to broker peace and end the bloodshed. However, Ukraine’s leaders, along with their supporters in Europe and Washington, have cautioned against a settlement that would leave Ukraine vulnerable to further Russian aggression. As tensions continue to rise, the question remains whether a Trump administration can broker a lasting peace without conceding to Russia’s expansionist goals.
