Washington: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday congratulated Donald Trump just before his swearing-in as the 47th president of the US and expressed optimism about the potential for improved relations with the United States under his administration.
Speaking during a video call with members of Russia's Security Council just before Trump's inauguration, Putin 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."
"We also hear his statements about the need to do everything to prevent World War III," Putin said in televised comments. "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 take into account Russia's interests.
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