Putin welcomes Trump’s push to rebuild US-Russia relations, aims for world peace

Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended his congratulations to Donald Trump following his inauguration as President of the United States.

In a meeting with members of Russia’s Security Council, Putin expressed his support for Trump’s stated intentions to restore direct diplomatic relations with Russia, which had been disrupted by the previous US administration, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

“We see the statement of the newly elected US president and members of his team about the desire to restore direct contacts with Russia, interrupted through no fault of ours by the outgoing administration. We also hear his statement about the need to do everything to prevent a third world war. Of course, we welcome this attitude and congratulate the President-elect of the United States on his assumption of office,” Putin remarked.

Furthermore, Putin commented on the significant pressure Trump faced during his election campaign, noting the intense challenges the US leader encountered.

According to Putin, Trump and his family were subjected to severe pressure, which escalated to attempts on his life.

"He and even his family members were constantly under the most brutal pressure. It came down to attempts on his life," Putin stated.

Putin’s remarks reflect a desire for improved relations between Russia and the United States, despite the difficult geopolitical climate and the challenges faced by both leaders.

Trump, who was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, returns to the White House following a historic political comeback. He defeated incumbent Kamala Harris in November’s election, securing a second, nonconsecutive term after losing to Joe Biden in 2020. Trump previously served as president from 2017 to 2021.

The inauguration ceremony, typically held outdoors, instead took place inside the US Capitol Rotunda due to forecasts of dangerously cold weather in Washington. The move marks the first indoor inauguration since Ronald Reagan’s second term in 1985.

Trump has urged supporters to gather instead at Washington’s Capital One Arena, where a live viewing of the ceremony will be held. He announced plans to visit the arena following the Capitol inauguration to address his supporters directly.

Trump has directed his aides to organize a post-inauguration phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the possibility of a personal meeting focused on addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The planned call with Putin signals a potentially pivotal moment for US-Russia relations, as both leaders seek to navigate their countries’ roles in resolving global challenges. Whether this will lead to substantive diplomatic progress remains to be seen.

By Vafa Guliyeva