Putin: Russia is open to negotiations with the United States on the Ukrainian conflict

Moscow is open to dialogue with the administration of Donald Trump on the Ukrainian conflict. This was announced today, January 20, by Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with permanent members of the Russian Security Council.

At the same time, he immediately stressed that the goal of the Ukrainian settlement should not be a short truce, but a long-term peace.:

"Not some kind of respite for regrouping forces and rearmament in order to continue the conflict, but a long-term peace based on respect for the legitimate interests of all people, all peoples who live in this region. The most important thing is to eliminate the root causes of the crisis, which Russia has spoken about many times."

Putin recalled that Russia has never refused to negotiate with the United States on any issues.

"I would like to emphasize that we have never refused dialogue, we have always been ready to maintain even cooperation relations with any American administration. I have already said this many times," the Russian leader said. "We proceed from the fact that the dialogue will be based on an equal and mutually respectful basis, taking into account the significant role played by our countries on a number of key issues on the world agenda, including strengthening strategic stability and security."

Anyway, Russia will defend its interests in future negotiations.

"Of course, we will fight for the interests of Russia, for the interests of the Russian people. This, in fact, is the purpose and meaning of a special military operation," Putin warned.

As EADaily reported, at the same meeting, Vladimir Putin congratulated US President-elect Donald Trump on taking office, noting that he had a hard time during the election campaign. Trump's inauguration is scheduled for today, 20.00 Moscow time. — in It will be noon in Washington.