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| Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump | Photo: Reuters |
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on his inauguration as US president and said he is interested in holding talks with the Trump administration on the war in Ukraine.
On Monday, Putin made the remarks in a televised address to Russia's National Security Council. He also mentioned Trump's desire to re-establish ties with Russia.
Putin said, "Of course, we welcome Trump's position. We congratulate the newly inaugurated US president on assuming office."
The Russian president said he was willing to talk with the Trump administration about the Ukraine war. He said Trump's position "should not be in favor of a temporary ceasefire" but "needs a long-term peace based on respect for the legitimate interests of all peoples and nations living in the region. Naturally, we will look at Russia's interests."