Putin Open to Talks with Trump, But Ukraine Demands Remain Firm, Says Kremlin
Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly open to discussing the Ukraine conflict with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, though he remains resolute in his demands regarding Ukraine, the Kremlin confirmed on Friday. Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesperson, emphasized that Moscow’s objectives in Ukraine have not shifted and that Putin has no intention of revising these terms.
When questioned about whether Putin’s willingness to communicate with Trump indicates any flexibility in Russia’s stance, Peskov clarified that Russia’s goals remain unchanged. “The president has never suggested a shift in the objectives of the special military operation. He has repeatedly emphasized that they are consistent,” said Peskov. He underscored that Russia’s goals pertain to securing the nation’s interests and protecting Russian citizens in the contested areas.
As of mid-2023, Putin’s terms for ending the war require Ukraine to abandon NATO aspirations and withdraw its military from the four regions—Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—that Russia claims as its own. Ukraine has dismissed these conditions, with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy asserting that accepting such terms would amount to surrender. Instead, Zelenskiy has presented a “victory plan” calling for increased Western military assistance to achieve a decisive Ukrainian win.
Trump, who has previously criticized extensive U.S. support for Ukraine, has suggested he could end the conflict within 24 hours if given the opportunity, though he has not specified his approach. Zelenskiy expressed skepticism over Trump’s promise, warning that a quick resolution could entail significant losses for Ukraine. “If it’s just fast, it means losses for Ukraine. I just don’t yet understand how this could be in any other way,” Zelenskiy remarked.
In recent statements, Putin extended congratulations to Trump following his election win, commending his composure during an attempted assassination in July. He also expressed an openness to dialogue, describing Trump’s comments on resolving the Ukraine conflict as noteworthy. Trump himself has mentioned to NBC that he has not yet spoken with Putin but anticipates a conversation in the near future.
Peskov, however, noted that while there are no confirmed plans for a call between Trump and Putin, the Russian president remains open to dialogue. According to the Kremlin, current U.S.-Russia relations are at an all-time low due to Washington’s ongoing support for Ukraine and extensive sanctions on Russia.
Putin’s last direct communication with U.S. President Joe Biden occurred in February 2022, shortly before Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine. During that call, Biden warned Putin of a swift Western response should he proceed with the invasion.
The Kremlin has also dispelled rumors that Trump had spoken to Putin since leaving office, despite claims in journalist Bob Woodward’s book “War” suggesting otherwise. According to the book, an unnamed Trump aide claimed that Trump and Putin may have had as many as seven conversations since Trump exited the White House in 2021. The Kremlin, however, has denied such claims.
