Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a video call with members of the National Security Council just before Donald Trump was sworn in as US President, “We have heard statements from Trump and members of his team about their desire to restore direct contact with Russia, which was blocked by the outgoing administration despite no fault of ours.” Putin said in a televised statement, “We have also heard their statements about the need to make every effort to prevent a third world war.”
He said, “We certainly welcome such an approach and congratulate the newly elected President of the United States on taking office.” Putin said that his country is ready to discuss a possible peace agreement with Ukraine. He said that this will not lead to a short-term ceasefire but a lasting peace and Russia’s interests will also be taken into account in this.
