Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov Photo: Sergei Bobylev/TASS
Russian President Vladimir Putin has no intention of calling Donald Trump to congratulate him on his victory in the US presidential election, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday, Politico reports.
“I am not aware of the president’s plans to congratulate Trump on his election victory,” Peskov said during a morning press conference.
He also stressed that Russia does not forget that the United States is an “unfriendly country” that is involved in the war against Russia, both directly and indirectly. In 2016, Putin was one of the first world leaders to send congratulations to Trump after he won the presidential election.
Asked whether Putin’s decision not to congratulate Trump could worsen relations between the US and Russia, Peskov said it was “almost impossible”, as relations between the two countries are currently “at a historic low”.
“What happens next depends on the American leadership. President Putin has repeatedly stated that he is ready for a constructive dialogue based on fairness, equality and consideration of mutual interests,” he added, stressing that “the US administration is now taking a radically opposite position. We will see what happens in January”.
Regarding Trump’s promise to end the war in Ukraine, Peskov said that Russia is waiting for Trump’s concrete actions after he takes office before starting negotiations.
“When he is in the Oval Office, his statements may take on a different tone. Therefore, we are carefully analysing everything, monitoring the situation, and will draw conclusions based on specific words and actions,” Peskov said.
