Published 21:35 IST, January 20th 2025
Putin Congratulates Trump, Sees Potential For Improved US-Russia Ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated US President-elect Donald Trump ahead of his swearing-in as the 47th United States President.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated US President-elect Donald Trump ahead of his swearing-in as the 47th United States President. Putin expressed optimism about the potential for improved relations with the US under Trump's administration. The Russian President, while speaking during a video call with members of Russia's Security Council just before Trump's inauguration, said, “We hear the statements from Trump and members of his team about their desire to restore direct contacts with Russia, which were halted through no fault of ours by the outgoing administration.”
President Vladimir Putin said in his televised comments, “We hear the statements from Trump and members of his team about their desire to restore direct contact with Russia, which was halted through no fault of ours by the outgoing administration. We also hear his statements about the need to do everything to prevent World War III.”
“We certainly welcome such an approach and congratulate the US president-elect on taking office,” Putin said Moscow is open to discussing a prospective peace settlement in Ukraine, adding it should lead not to a short truce but a lasting peace and consider Russia's interests.
Donald Trump, who overcame impeachments, criminal indictments and a pair of assassination attempts to win another term in the White House, will be sworn in as the 47th president on Monday, taking charge as Republicans assume unified control of Washington and set out to reshape the country's institutions.
Trump will act swiftly after the ceremony, with executive orders already prepared for his signature to jumpstart deportations, increase fossil fuel development and reduce civil service protections for government workers.
Updated 04:55 IST, January 21st 2025