MOSCOW—Russia welcomes the declared willingness of the United States. President-elect Donald Trump would address difficulties through discussion, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Friday, reinforcing Russian President Vladimir Putin's willingness to speak with Trump.
Peskov told reporters that there may be movement in arranging a meeting between Trump and Putin following Trump's inauguration on January 20. On Thursday, Trump claimed he and Putin were planning a meeting, but he provided no date.
Trump regularly stated throughout his presidential campaign that he could finish the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours, although he and aides have since suggested that it may be concluded within months of assuming office.
His upcoming return to the White House has fueled hopes for a diplomatic settlement, but it has also raised concerns in Kyiv that a hasty peace deal may come at a hefty cost for Ukraine.
Peskov said Putin had repeatedly stated his willingness to hold talks with international leaders, including Trump.
“No conditions are required for this, (only) a mutual desire and political will to conduct a dialogue and resolve existing problems through dialogue is required,” he said.
“We see that Mr. Trump also declares his readiness to resolve problems through dialogue, we welcome this.”
According to Peskov, there are no particular plans for a meeting at this time, but Russia is assuming that all parties are willing to meet. "Apparently, after Mr. Trump enters the Oval Office, there will be some movement."
On Thursday, Trump declared, "President Putin wants to meet. He has said that openly, and we need to end the conflict. "That is a bloody mess."
Trump advisers have offered options to terminate the conflict, which would effectively hand huge portions of the nation to Russia for the foreseeable future.
According to Peskov, Russia's position is identical with what Putin stated in June. Putin then stated that Russia was prepared to terminate the war provided Ukraine abandoned its NATO membership ambitions and completely withdrew from four territories that Russia partially controls and claims as its own.
Kyiv condemned this as akin to capitulation.
While speaking enthusiastically about Trump, Peskov was harshly critical of departing President Joe Biden.
He stated that in its final ten days, the Biden administration "intends to continue doing everything to continue the war," including the possibility of further sanctions against Russia.
“We are aware that the administration will certainly try to leave the most burdensome legacy in terms of bilateral relations for the incoming Trump and his associates,” said Peskov.
