The Kremlin said Thursday it was ready for dialogue “with mutual respect” with US President Donald Trump, who has threatened new sanctions if Russia does not reach an agreement with Ukraine to end the conflict.
Since his re-election, the Western world, Russia and Ukraine have been waiting to see what position the unpredictable American leader will adopt, particularly on crucial military aid for Ukraine, and what concessions he will demand from Moscow and kyiv, as much as he boasts of having a good relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
After several days of silence, the spokesperson for the Russian presidency, Dmitri Peskov, said Thursday that he did not see “nothing particularly new” in the billionaire’s first comments on the subject.
Donald Trump, already in the White House from 2017 to 2021, “was the American president who most used these sanctions methods”he added.
“We remain ready for dialogue, for dialogue on an equal footing and with mutual respect”nevertheless assured Mr. Peskov.
“During his first presidency, there was such a dialogue between him and Putin”estimated the Russian spokesperson, who said that the Kremlin is still waiting “signals” in this sense from the White House.
Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that he is preparing to speak to the Russian president, but without giving a date.
Vladimir Putin also said he was ready for an interview or discussion with his American counterpart.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and his American counterpart Donald Trump before a meeting in Helsinki, Finland, July 16, 2018 / Brendan Smialowski / AFP/Archives
Donald Trump, however, on Wednesday threatened Russia with new sanctions if it does not conclude ” NOW “ agreed with Ukraine, to put an end to the conflict launched by Moscow almost three years ago.
“If we do not reach an agreement, quickly, I will have no choice but to increase taxes, tariffs and sanctions on anything that can be sold by Russia to the United States, as well as in the different countries which will associate with it »insisted the American president.
-Unclear intentions
And on Monday, the day of his inauguration, Donald Trump for the first time called on Vladimir Putin to find a « accord » of peace, because according to him the Russian president “is destroying Russia by not finding a settlement” to the conflict.
During his campaign, Donald Trump promised to end the war in Ukraine “in 24 hours”without ever explaining how.
He appointed ex-General Keith Kellogg, who called on kyiv for several concessions, as his emissary to end the war.
Mr. Trump’s return to power is seen as a potential turning point in the conflict, even if his intentions remain unclear.
Matryoshkas, traditional Russian nesting dolls, display portraits of Russian President Vladimir Putin, American President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump, in a souvenir store in Moscow, January 20, 2025 / Alexander NEMENOV / AFP
The United States is Ukraine’s primary military supporter. Donald Trump criticized this aid during his campaign, but since his inauguration he has not made it clear whether he intends to maintain it or end it.
Ukraine nevertheless fears being pushed to the negotiating table in an unfavorable position, because it is in difficulty on the front.
The Russian army continues to advance, particularly in eastern Ukraine, facing exhausted and less well-equipped Ukrainian troops.
The United States has already imposed several rounds of sanctions and embargoes on imports from Russia, which have been reduced very significantly, from 4.3 billion dollars from January to November 2023, to 2.9 billion over the same period last year, now less than 0.1% of imports entering the country.
Products imported into the United States include fertilizers and metals in particular.
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