Putin congratulates Trump: Russia open to communication on Ukrainian conflict

AUTHOR:M.J. GDNUS

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated US President Donald Trump on his assumption of office today and said that Russia is open to communication with the new US administration on the Ukrainian conflict, and sees eliminating the root causes of the crisis as a priority.

We see statements by the newly elected US president about the desire to restore direct contacts with Russia, interrupted through no fault of ours, and we also hear his statements about the need to do everything to prevent a third world war. We welcome such a mood and congratulate the newly elected US president on assuming office, Putin said at an operational meeting with members of the Security Council.

Putin said that Moscow has never refused dialogue with any US administration and has always been ready to maintain equal relations and cooperation, and added that he assumes that dialogue with Washington will be built on an equal basis in the future.

"We proceed from the fact that the dialogue will be built on an equal footing and mutual respect, taking into account the significant role that our countries play in a number of key issues on the global agenda, including strengthening strategic stability and security," Putin said.

He added that Russia is open to dialogue with President Trump's administration on the Ukrainian conflict.

"The most important thing here is to eliminate the root causes of the crisis, and as for resolving the situation, I would like to emphasize once again that the goal should not be a short truce, a respite for regrouping forces and rearming with the aim of subsequently continuing the conflict, but a long-term peace based on respect for the legitimate interests of all people and all nations living in this region," Putin said.