Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated President Donald Trump ahead of Monday’s inauguration and said he’s open to talks about peace in Ukraine.
Putin made the remarks during a televised meeting of Russia’s Security Council.
"We see the statements by the newly elected president of the United States and members of his team about the desire to restore direct contacts with Russia," Putin said. "We also hear his statement about the need to do everything possible to prevent World War III. We of course welcome this attitude and congratulate the elected president of the United States of America on taking office."
Trump made multiple references to the potential for World War III under the Biden administration and Democrat presidential candidate Kamala Harris on the campaign trail. He has also asserted that the war in Ukraine would have never started had he been in power.
"We're heading into World War III territory," Trump said in September. "You need a president that's not going to be taking you into war. We won't have World War III when I'm elected, but with these clowns that you have in there now, you're going to end up having World War III."
Putin also spoke of long-term peace on Monday.
"As for the resolution of the situation [in Ukraine] itself, I would like to emphasize that the goal should not be a brief ceasefire, not some kind of period of respite that would allow a regrouping and rearmament of forces, but a long-term peace based on respect for the legitimate interests of all people and all peoples who live in the region," Putin said Monday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also congratulated Trump, mentioning his inauguration as a prelude to the resolution of "global challenges" while refraining from mentioning Russia by name.
"President Trump is always decisive, and the peace through strength policy he announced provides an opportunity to strengthen American leadership and achieve a long-term and just peace, which is the top priority," Zelenskyy said in a post to X. "This century is being shaped right now, and we must all work together to ensure that it is a great and successful century for democracies, not those who want us to fail."
Mark Swanson ✉
Mark Swanson, a Newsmax writer and editor, has nearly three decades of experience covering news, culture and politics.
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