Russia welcomes Trump’s willingness to solve problems through dialogue

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that Moscow welcomes the willingness of US President-elect Donald Trump to solve problems through dialogue, stressing the readiness of Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold talks with Trump.

Peskov explained to reporters that arranging a meeting between the US and Russian presidents after Trump returns to the White House on January 20 might see some progress.

Trump said yesterday, Thursday, that a meeting was being arranged between him and Putin, but he did not set a timetable for the meeting.

Trump stressed several times during his election campaign his ability to end the war between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours, before he and advisers indicated the possibility of reaching a solution to it within months of taking office.

Trump’s imminent return to the White House has revived hope of reaching a diplomatic solution to end Moscow’s war on Ukraine, but at the same time it raises fears in Kiev that reaching a quick peace agreement may come at its expense.

Peskov said Putin has repeatedly indicated his willingness to hold talks with international leaders, including Trump.

He added, “There are no preconditions. What is required (only) is a mutual desire and political will to conduct dialogue and solve existing problems through dialogue.”

He continued, saying, “We see Mr. Trump also announcing his willingness to solve problems through dialogue, and we welcome that.”

Peskov explained that there are currently no specific plans to hold a meeting, but Russia assumes that the two sides are open to the matter. “After Trump arrives in the Oval Office, there will of course be some movement,” he said.