Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Vyacheslav Viktorov/Reuters
Russian President Vladimir Putin has hinted that Moscow is ready to consider resetting relations with the United States, but only if sanctions are lifted and US support for Ukraine is terminated. This is stated in the latest report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
During his speech at the Valdai Forum on 7 November, Putin expressed his readiness to negotiate with Washington, but stressed that the United States should initiate this process. He made it clear that new agreements should primarily meet the Kremlin’s interests, not be beneficial to the United States.
ISW analysts point out that Putin expects US President-elect Donald Trump to be more favourable to Russian interests, while not intending to make any concessions. This approach is beneficial to Moscow, as it does not imply any reciprocal steps on its part.
According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s statements do not mean a change in Russia’s military goals for Ukraine. On the contrary, Moscow remains firm in its position, unwilling to give up its maximalist demands either on the Ukrainian direction or in the international arena.
According to ISW experts, Putin is probably trying to position himself as a leader who is willing to engage in dialogue with Trump, but in reality he is sending a signal to his domestic audience that his ambitions in the region and globally are unwavering.
