The Kremlin has addressed rumors surrounding a potential meeting between U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that no official request for such talks has been made but expressing a willingness to engage in dialogue.
Trump has repeatedly pledged to end the war in Ukraine “within 24 hours,” although reports last month revealed that Russia had rejected parts of his proposed peace plan for the conflict. While Trump insists that negotiating a quick resolution to the war will be a top priority in his second term, it remains unclear how he intends to achieve this.
On Thursday, Trump hosted 22 of 27 Republican governors at his Mar-a-Lago estate and shared his vision for his second administration, including his aim to end the war in Ukraine soon after assuming office. He claimed that Putin was eager to meet, and the meeting was being arranged.
Trump referred to the war, which has displaced roughly 6 million people according to the U.N., as a “bloody mess” that urgently needs resolution. However, the Kremlin contradicted Trump's statement later, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov clarifying that Russia had not yet received a formal request for a meeting. While Peskov acknowledged Putin’s willingness to engage in dialogue, he stressed that any discussions would be more appropriate once Trump officially takes office. He added that Russia would not impose any preconditions for face-to-face talks.
These contrasting statements have raised questions about the level of communication between the incoming U.S. administration and Moscow. Trump’s approach to Russia and Ukraine has raised concerns, as he has previously praised Putin as "pretty smart" for invading Ukraine. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have advocated for continued U.S. support for Kyiv, warning that halting aid could embolden Putin and further escalate the conflict.
Peskov further remarked, "If, after taking office, the political will to resume contacts at the highest level remains, then, of course, President Putin will only welcome this. He has repeatedly spoken about his readiness for dialogue and the necessity of such discussions."
Meanwhile, Zelensky emphasized on Thursday that European security guarantees alone would not suffice against Russia, calling for joint security guarantees from both the U.S. and Europe.
Tristan Snell, a lawyer and author of *Taking Down Trump*, tweeted, "Trump says Putin wants to meet with him, and a meeting is being arranged. Well, of course. Trump needs to get his marching orders, and Putin wants to check in on his #1 asset."
As Trump’s inauguration approaches, it remains to be seen whether tangible steps toward a high-level U.S.-Russia meeting will materialize. For Ukraine, the situation remains uncertain, with concerns that U.S. military support could diminish under Trump’s leadership.
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