Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized that he is open to discussing the Ukraine issue with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
On the 20th (local time), according to TASS and RIA Novosti, President Putin made this statement during a video conference of the Russian Security Council, saying, "I congratulate President-elect Trump on his inauguration."
The meeting was held just hours before President-elect Trump’s inauguration. President Putin mentioned that he had instructed Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to report on the U.S. situation, saying, "I understand that the inauguration of the newly elected president is taking place today."
President Putin said, "We have seen the newly elected U.S. president and his team express a desire to restore direct contacts with Russia, which were disrupted not due to our fault but because of the outgoing U.S. government. I also heard statements that we must do everything possible to prevent a third world war," and he added, "I welcome this position."
He added, "We have never refused to engage in dialogue (with the U.S. government) and have always been ready to maintain equal relations and cooperation with any U.S. government."
President Putin claimed that he could also discuss nuclear weapons with President-elect Trump. He stated, "We believe that dialogue should be based on equality and mutual respect, considering the important role both countries play in various key global issues, such as enhancing strategic stability and security."
President Putin remarked that President-elect Trump faced a difficult time in every aspect, including extreme pressure before the election, saying, "He showed courage and achieved a convincing victory in the election."
During the meeting, Minister Lavrov stated that Russia is ready to engage with leaders of Western countries, including the Trump administration, noting that many issues today, including the Ukraine conflict, depend on the U.S.