News Brief
'Putin Ready For Talks': Russia Awaits US Signal As Trump Pushes For End To Ukraine War And Nuclear Arms Reduction
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin (R) offers a ball of the 2018 football World Cup to US President Donald Trump during a joint press conference. (YURI KADOBNOV/AFP/Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to hold a phone call with US President Donald Trump, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday (24 January), emphasising that Moscow is ready for dialogue, reported The Hindu.
However, the Kremlin awaits a clear signal from Washington to proceed.
This follows Trump’s remarks on Thursday (23 January) at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he expressed a strong desire to meet Putin soon to address the ongoing Ukraine war and work toward reducing nuclear weapons. Trump reiterated his demand for Putin to end the conflict in Ukraine, warning of severe tariffs and sanctions if the war continues.
Responding to these developments, Peskov said, “Putin is ready. We are waiting for signals from Washington. Everyone is ready. As soon as there is something, we will inform you” quoted as saying by The Hindu.
“We need to talk. Time has been lost in many respects,” Peskov said, blaming the U.S. for halting substantial bilateral contacts.
Addressing Trump’s suggestion that lower oil prices could expedite an end to the Ukraine conflict, Peskov dismissed the notion, stating that the war stems from national security concerns and Russia's perceived threats in eastern Ukraine, rather than economic factors. “This conflict does not depend on oil prices,” he said.
Peskov also contradicted Trump’s claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is ready for peace negotiations. He pointed out that Zelenskiy issued a decree in 2022 ruling out any talks with Putin. “In order to reach a settlement, it is necessary to hold negotiations, but Zelenskiy has banned himself from conducting them,” Peskov explained.
The possibility of a Putin-Trump phone call, seen as a precursor to any direct talks, could mark a significant step toward addressing the Ukraine crisis and advancing nuclear arms negotiations. However, the Kremlin has made it clear that the next move lies with Washington.
