Moscow Indicates Trump Team Has Expressed Interest in Reopening Talks
According to the Russian deputy foreign minister, any potential discussions would need to occur on equal and mutually acceptable terms. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that any potential negotiations could only occur on equal and mutually acceptable terms. The Trump administration has shown a willingness to re-establish dialogue with Moscow. Ryabkov indicated that although Moscow is ready to discuss various issues, including the conflict in Ukraine, the first move to stabilize relations must come from Washington.
During a press conference on Monday, Ryabkov emphasized that any discussions related to the conflict should adhere to principles reflecting the current realities and Russia's national interests.
“Trump’s team, despite conflicting statements from both him and his people, has at least signaled interest in resuming the dialogue with Russia that was disrupted by the Democrats,” Ryabkov remarked.
The diplomat noted that Russian-American relations have hit a low under President Joe Biden's administration, which he accused of employing a “hybrid warfare strategy” against Russia. However, he hinted that a potential return of Trump to the presidency could lead to a change in U.S. foreign policy.
Previously, Trump has expressed a desire to quickly resolve the conflict in Ukraine and has indicated a willingness to engage in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Reports suggest that he has tasked his special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, with achieving a settlement within 100 days.
Reaffirming Russia’s perspective, Ryabkov stated that there is “at least a small window of opportunity” for improved relations with Washington under a Trump administration. He added, “Whether the US chooses to seize this opportunity is entirely up to them.”
On Saturday, the New York Post published an interview in which Trump claimed to have spoken on the phone with Putin. However, the article did not provide any direct quotes from the alleged conversation, and the Kremlin neither confirmed nor denied the discussion took place. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that communication between Moscow and Washington continues through various diplomatic channels.
While Trump has not publicly outlined his peace proposal for Ukraine, it is said to involve freezing the ongoing conflict along the current front line, setting up a demilitarized zone monitored by European forces, and preventing Kiev's NATO membership.
Trump has cautioned that new sanctions could be imposed if Moscow does not agree to an unspecified resolution but stressed that he is “not looking to hurt Russia.” His envoy, Kellogg, indicated last week that further economic measures could be enacted against Moscow.
Ryabkov dismissed any efforts to impose conditions on Russia, warning that “the language of ultimatums, inflammatory rhetoric, and attempts to portray concessions as generous favors will not work in our dialogue with the US.”
He contended that the U.S. has essentially become directly involved in the Ukraine conflict, particularly through “Washington’s supply of the most modern types of weapons to the Kiev regime,” such as long-range missile systems.
Moscow has characterized the conflict as a Western proxy war against Russia, arguing that Ukrainians are being used as ‘cannon fodder.’ Russian officials maintain that U.S. actions have intensified tensions by ignoring Moscow’s security concerns regarding NATO's expansion in Eastern Europe and its increasing military partnership with Ukraine.
Moscow has reiterated its openness to negotiations but insists that any settlement must include “reliable, legally binding agreements eliminating the root causes of the conflict.”
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
During a press conference on Monday, Ryabkov emphasized that any discussions related to the conflict should adhere to principles reflecting the current realities and Russia's national interests.
“Trump’s team, despite conflicting statements from both him and his people, has at least signaled interest in resuming the dialogue with Russia that was disrupted by the Democrats,” Ryabkov remarked.
The diplomat noted that Russian-American relations have hit a low under President Joe Biden's administration, which he accused of employing a “hybrid warfare strategy” against Russia. However, he hinted that a potential return of Trump to the presidency could lead to a change in U.S. foreign policy.
Previously, Trump has expressed a desire to quickly resolve the conflict in Ukraine and has indicated a willingness to engage in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Reports suggest that he has tasked his special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, with achieving a settlement within 100 days.
Reaffirming Russia’s perspective, Ryabkov stated that there is “at least a small window of opportunity” for improved relations with Washington under a Trump administration. He added, “Whether the US chooses to seize this opportunity is entirely up to them.”
On Saturday, the New York Post published an interview in which Trump claimed to have spoken on the phone with Putin. However, the article did not provide any direct quotes from the alleged conversation, and the Kremlin neither confirmed nor denied the discussion took place. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that communication between Moscow and Washington continues through various diplomatic channels.
While Trump has not publicly outlined his peace proposal for Ukraine, it is said to involve freezing the ongoing conflict along the current front line, setting up a demilitarized zone monitored by European forces, and preventing Kiev's NATO membership.
Trump has cautioned that new sanctions could be imposed if Moscow does not agree to an unspecified resolution but stressed that he is “not looking to hurt Russia.” His envoy, Kellogg, indicated last week that further economic measures could be enacted against Moscow.
Ryabkov dismissed any efforts to impose conditions on Russia, warning that “the language of ultimatums, inflammatory rhetoric, and attempts to portray concessions as generous favors will not work in our dialogue with the US.”
He contended that the U.S. has essentially become directly involved in the Ukraine conflict, particularly through “Washington’s supply of the most modern types of weapons to the Kiev regime,” such as long-range missile systems.
Moscow has characterized the conflict as a Western proxy war against Russia, arguing that Ukrainians are being used as ‘cannon fodder.’ Russian officials maintain that U.S. actions have intensified tensions by ignoring Moscow’s security concerns regarding NATO's expansion in Eastern Europe and its increasing military partnership with Ukraine.
Moscow has reiterated its openness to negotiations but insists that any settlement must include “reliable, legally binding agreements eliminating the root causes of the conflict.”
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
