Moving away from Washington DC for a moment, we’ve just heard from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has congratulated incoming US President Donald Trump on his inauguration.
In a televised address to his national security council, he also acknowledged Trump’s desire to resume contact with Russia, and president-elect’s previous remarks on doing everything possible to prevent a third world war.
“Of course, we welcome this stance and congratulate the newly inaugurated US president on assuming office,” Putin said.
The Kremlin leader added that he is open to dialogue with the Trump administration on the Ukraine war, and that his position is there “should not be a temporary ceasefire” but rather a “long-term peace founded on respect for the legitimate interests of all people and nations living in this region”.
“Naturally, we will stand up for Russia’s interests,” Putin said.
