Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on his inauguration as the 45th president of the United States, expressing hope for a more constructive relationship than with the outgoing administration led by Joe Biden.

Speaking during an online meeting of the Russian Security Council on 20 January, hours before Trump’s inauguration, Putin praised Trump’s “courage” following his  “challenging” election period, which included assassination attempts, before welcoming Trump’s stated commitment to improving ties and reducing global tensions. 

"We note the statements by the newly elected president and his team about their desire to restore direct contacts with Russia, which were severed not by us but by the outgoing administration,” Putin said. “We also hear his commitment to avoiding a third world war. We welcome this stance and congratulate the President-elect of the United States on assuming office.”

Putin also claimed that Moscow is willing to engage constructively with Trump’s team on critical issues, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. 

“This dialogue must be built on principles of equality and mutual respect, recognising the significant role our countries play in key global issues, including strategic stability and security,” Putin said, stating that any discussions must come to a solution that is not a “temporary truce” or “pause,” but “a long-term peace based on respecting the legitimate interests of all people in the region.”

Putin’s statement follows reports from US media outlet CNN on 19 January that Trump had instructed his aides to arrange a call with Putin shortly after his inauguration. According to unnamed sources cited by CNN, the call is expected to lay the groundwork for a high-level summit to discuss peace efforts in Ukraine and other bilateral issues.

On 12 January, incoming US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz told ABC News that Trump planned to speak with Putin to prepare for a future meeting aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

Trump’s 2024 campaign included a pledge to swiftly end the Ukraine-Russia war, but he has since moderated his stance. Waltz noted that while the administration supports a diplomatic resolution, achieving a full Russian withdrawal from Ukrainian territory remains complex.

“I just don't think it's realistic to say we're going to expel every Russian from every inch of Ukrainian soil, even Crimea. President Trump has acknowledged that reality, and I think it’s been a huge step forward that the entire world is acknowledging that reality. Now let's move forward,” Waltz said.

Despite the potential for dialogue, Putin has maintained his refusal to cede any annexed territories, insisting that any peace negotiations must recognise the “realities on the ground.” During his annual press conference in December 2024, Putin reiterated that Moscow is open to negotiations “without any preconditions” as long as discussions are based on the alleged agreement reached during peace talks in Istanbul in early 2022.

While Moscow has claimed that the so-called Istanbul agreement constituted a formal deal, Kyiv has consistently denied signing any binding commitments. Ukrainian officials have said that while compromises were discussed, no agreements were finalised. The talks, held shortly after Russia’s invasion, collapsed following revelations of atrocities in Bucha. Ukrainian officials have also accused Russia of attempting to exclude Western allies from the negotiations, a claim denied by Putin, who has blamed interference by Western leaders, including former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, for derailing the process.

Russia has demanded recognition of Crimea and other occupied territories as Russian, as well as Ukraine’s acceptance of neutral, non-aligned, and non-nuclear status. Kyiv has rejected these conditions as ultimatums.

In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has emphasised the importance of securing Trump’s support, describing him as crucial to ending the war. In a televised address on 2 January, Zelenskiy stated, “Trump’s leadership qualities make him vital in this war. He can stop Putin—or, more accurately, help us stop him.”

Zelenskiy has repeatedly appealed to Trump’s preference for “peace through strength,” voicing optimism about the prospects of achieving peace under the new US administration