Vladimir Putin is yet to call Donald Trump to congratulate him on his second presidential election success, after soundly beating Kamala Harris last night.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday he was “not aware of the president’s plans to congratulate Trump on the election”, adding: “Let’s not forget that we are talking about an unfriendly country that is both directly and indirectly involved in the war against our state.”
However, unlike the Biden administration, the incoming US president has enjoyed a far cosier relationship with the Russian president. Mr Trump, when he occupied the Oval Office, was pictured in cordial engagements with the former KGB agent on a number of occasions.
What’s more, it’s been widely assumed that a Trump victory would be the Kremlin’s preferred outcome of the 2024 US Presidential Election. Plus, Mr Trump has spoken openly about his ambition to end the war in Ukraine with a “deal”, and it’s widely accepted that any such deal would require Kyiv to make territorial concessions.
Spokesman Peskov was ambiguous in his assessment of whether or not the Kremlin is enthused by the prospect of a Trump-led deal in Ukraine.
“We have repeatedly said that the US is able to contribute to the end of this conflict. This cannot be done overnight, but… the US is capable of changing the trajectory of its foreign policy. Will this happen, and if so, how … we will see after [the US president’s inauguration in] January”, he said.
A deal that sees Russia hold onto occupied territory in Ukraine would widely be viewed as a win for the Kremlin.
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Despite fears that the Trump administration will push to get the war finished with Ukraine losing part of its internationally recognised territory, President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated the Republican leader.
Writing on X, he said: ” Congratulations to @realDonaldTrump on his impressive election victory!
“I recall our great meeting with President Trump back in September, when we discussed in detail the Ukraine-U.S. strategic partnership, the Victory Plan, and ways to put an end to Russian aggression against Ukraine. I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the “peace through strength” approach in global affairs.
“This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer. I am hopeful that we will put it into action together. We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump’s decisive leadership. We rely on continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States.
“We are interested in developing mutually beneficial political and economic cooperation that will benefit both of our nations. Ukraine, as one of Europe’s strongest military powers, is committed to ensuring long-term peace and security in Europe and the Transatlantic community with the support of our allies.
“I am looking forward to personally congratulating President Trump and discussing ways to strengthen Ukraine’s strategic partnership with the United States.”
