Putin Congratulates Trump on Assuming Office, Wants Talks on ‘Long-Term Peace’ in Ukraine

Putin expressed hope for talks on ending the Russia–Ukraine war in a way that leads to lasting peace.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump (R) talk during a bilateral meeting at the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 28, 2019. Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Jan. 20 congratulated President Donald Trump on becoming the 47th president of the United States and said he looks forward to talks on the Russia–Ukraine war that would lead to lasting peace rather than just a temporary cease-fire.

“We congratulate Donald Trump on entering the office,” Putin said during a meeting of Russia’s Security and Defense Council.