Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated President Donald Trump on his Inauguration Day.
Putin said he hopes Trump’s position in Washington will allow the United States and Russia to resume friendlier relations quickly. He even went as far as to say Trump’s ascension will help stave off a potential World War III.
“We’re hearing the statements of the newly elected US president and members of his team about the desire to restore direct contacts with Russia, which were halted by the outgoing administration. We also hear his statement about the need to do everything to prevent world war three,” Putin said per RT.
“Of course, we welcome such an attitude and congratulate the elected US president on taking office,” Putin continued.
While campaigning, Trump vowed to de-escalate fighting in Eastern Europe between Russia and Ukraine quickly. Last month, the then President-elect called for a ceasefire between the two sides just hours after Trump had met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Trump has insisted on wanting to meet with both sides of the conflict to help produce a resolution. He reiterated this stance just last week.
“I know he wants to meet, and I’m going to meet very quickly,” Trump said of Putin, per ZeroHedge. “I would have done it sooner, but… you have to get into the office.”
On Sunday, Trump’s national security adviser, Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), told ABC that “preparations are underway” for Trump and Putin to talk.
“I do expect a call … at least in the coming days and weeks,” Waltz said.
“So, that would be a step, and we’ll take it from there.”
In November, Biden ordered long-range missiles to be delivered to Ukraine. The move was widely viewed as an escalation of the conflict just weeks before Trump was set to take office with a mandate to end the war as soon as possible.