Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent warm wishes to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump as he prepares to take office, expressing optimism for renewed engagement on the war in Ukraine and the future of nuclear arms control. Speaking Monday at a rare televised meeting of Russia’s Security Council, Putin welcomed Trump’s promises to prevent a global conflict and restore direct ties between Moscow and Washington.
“It’s encouraging to hear from the new administration about rebuilding contacts with Russia,” Putin said, referencing Trump’s pledge to avert a third world war. Kremlin officials, however, remain wary of how U.S. foreign policy structures might shape Trump’s approach in practice.
Ukraine Crisis
Putin stressed that any resolution to the Ukraine conflict must go beyond temporary ceasefires. “We need a durable peace respecting all peoples in the region,” he declared. Although the Russian leader signaled readiness to talk, he continues to insist on recognizing Russia’s territorial claims, a position Kyiv rejects. Trump has vowed a swift end to the war but has not offered details on how he might achieve it without compromising allied positions.
Nuclear Arms Control
Putin also voiced willingness to discuss extending the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), set to expire in February 2026. As the last major nuclear treaty between the two largest atomic powers, its renewal or revision could define the future of global arms control.
Trump’s inauguration ceremony was unfolding at the time of this report. Global attention now turns to how swiftly and effectively he might reshape America’s strained relationship with Russia in the face of lingering international tensions.
