Putin commends Trump and declares Russia’s readiness for dialogue

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Donald Trump on winning the U.S. election, praising him for his courage during an assassination attempt and expressing readiness for dialogue. He commended Trump for his comments on Ukraine and restoring relations with Russia. Putin indicated he was open to resuming contacts if the Trump administration desired it. Despite allegations of collusion between Trump’s campaign and Russia in the 2016 election, no evidence of conspiracy was found by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Putin outlined terms for ending the war in Ukraine, insisting on Ukraine dropping its NATO ambitions and withdrawing troops from contested territories. He criticized Western leaders for pushing the world towards a dangerous line by supporting Ukraine and Georgia’s NATO membership. Putin stated that the West had never treated Russia as an equal partner since the fall of the Soviet Union. He emphasized Russia’s willingness to restore relations with the United States, with China seen as an ally. When asked about Kamala Harris’ remark that Putin would eat Trump for lunch, a Kremlin spokesman humorously dismissed the idea. Putin also denied claims of Russian interference in U.S. elections, stating that Russia was prepared to negotiate with full consideration of mutual interests.

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