Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated he is open to discussions with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump about the Ukraine conflict, but remains firm on Russia’s demands, the Kremlin said Friday.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov clarified Putin’s position in a daily press briefing, responding to questions on whether Russia’s goals might shift in light of Trump’s upcoming presidency. Peskov reaffirmed that Moscow’s objectives in Ukraine have not changed and emphasized that Russia’s security interests, particularly those of Russian-speaking populations in the region, remain a top priority.
“The president has consistently stated that the goals of the special military operation are unaltered,” Peskov asserted, underscoring that any talks with Trump would not imply concessions from Russia on key issues. “Our country’s security and the security of Russian people in Ukraine are paramount,” he added.
Earlier this year, Putin presented a list of conditions for ending the conflict, which included Ukraine’s renunciation of NATO membership and a full troop withdrawal from four Ukrainian regions that Russia claims as its territory. These demands have been consistently dismissed by Kyiv, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky deeming them a “capitulation” that compromises Ukraine’s sovereignty.
In response, Zelensky has articulated a “victory plan” aimed at securing increased Western military support and ultimately regaining Ukrainian territorial control. The plan is designed to counterbalance Russia’s demands and ensure Ukraine’s defense against further aggression.
Despite Putin’s expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with Trump, the Kremlin’s insistence on its demands highlights the complexities any negotiations would face. Russia’s steadfast conditions and Ukraine’s refusal to yield territory suggest that while diplomatic exchanges may increase with Trump in office, a swift resolution to the conflict remains uncertain. Both sides are likely to maintain strong positions, with Moscow prioritizing its security objectives and Kyiv emphasizing sovereignty and territorial integrity.
