Putin Open to Talks with Trump but Awaits Signals from Washington

The Kremlin announced on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to dialogue with U.S. President Donald Trump but is waiting for clear indications of willingness from Washington. Speaking to journalists, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “Putin is ready. We are waiting for signals from the United States.”

Both leaders have expressed interest in holding discussions, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, the situation remains tense, with Trump warning of stricter economic sanctions against Russia if Moscow does not take steps to resolve the conflict.

Peskov refrained from providing specifics about a potential meeting between the two presidents, noting, “It’s hard to read coffee grounds to predict the future.” Despite the uncertainty, the Kremlin’s openness to talks suggests a possibility of diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

Addressing comments made by Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Peskov dismissed the notion that the Ukraine conflict could be resolved by lowering oil prices. Trump had stated that reducing global oil prices—with the help of Saudi Arabia and OPEC—would bring an immediate end to the war.

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“This conflict does not depend on oil prices,” Peskov countered, emphasizing that the root causes are far more complex. He attributed the conflict to what Moscow perceives as threats to Russia’s national security and the well-being of ethnic Russians in Ukraine. Peskov also criticized the U.S. and European nations for their unwillingness to address Russia’s security concerns.

The conflict in Ukraine remains a deeply contentious issue, with Russia asserting that it is acting to protect its interests and people, while Western nations accuse Moscow of aggression and destabilization.

Trump’s comments highlight a potential strategy to leverage economic tools like oil prices, but the Kremlin’s response underscores the deeper geopolitical and security dimensions at play.