Russian President Vladimir Putin and the winner of the US presidential election, Donald Trump, today gave the green light for the interview between them.
Moscow is ready to restore relations with Washington, but the ball is in America’s court, Russian President Vladimir Putin said today in a speech at the Valdai Forum in the resort of <a href="https://time.news/mega-storm-hits-southern-russia-and-ukraine/" title="“Mega storm” hits southern Russia and Ukraine“>Sochi.
The Kremlin has repeatedly said that relations between the US and Russia are at a historic low, blaming Washington for its support for Ukraine.
Congratulating Donald Trump on his victory in the US election, Vladimir Putin said that he was willing to hold talks with him because he expressed his willingness “to help end the crisis in Ukraine”, according to strong man of the Kremlin, “need attention”. Putin said he was impressed with Trump’s handling of the assassination attempt in July, calling it “courageously sweet”.
The Russian president expressed his hope that US-Russia relations will one day be restored, adding that Moscow’s relations with the EU must return to a level characterized by “mutual trust”.
He emphasized that any future agreement to reduce the nuclear arsenals of the US and Russia should include the nuclear weapons held by Great Britain and France respectively.
Referring to China, he said that it is an ally of Russia and no one can interfere with their relations. Moscow and Beijing agreed in May to deepen their “strategic cooperation”.
“I think we will talk,” Trump said, referring to Putin, during an interview with NBC.
The US president-elect said he has already spoken to about 70 heads of state since winning the November 5 election.
According to a book by journalist Bob Woodward, Donald Trump has secretly communicated with Vladimir Putin at least seven times since he left the White House in 2021. During his tenure, he allegedly secretly sent tests to for Covid to Russia -19 amid the coronavirus pandemic. .
Interview on U.S.-Russia Relations: Time.news and Expert Discussion
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the pivotal moment in U.S.-Russia relations following the recent victory of Donald Trump in the presidential election and President Putin’s remarks at the Valdai Forum. Joining me is Dr. Elena Morozova, an expert in international relations and Russian politics. Thank you for being here, Dr. Morozova!
Dr. Morozova: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such a significant topic.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. President Putin has made it clear that he is ready to restore relations with the United States. What do you think are the key hurdles that both countries need to overcome to make this a reality?
Dr. Morozova: Great question. The primary hurdles are deeply entrenched mutual distrust and differing perspectives on international conflicts—particularly regarding Ukraine. The Kremlin attributes the poor state of relations to U.S. actions, such as support for Ukraine, which they view as a direct threat to Russian interests. Both sides must find a way to engage in constructive dialogue while addressing these historical grievances.
Editor: Recently, there was a significant emphasis on the state of bilateral relations being at a historic low. In your opinion, has the situation deteriorated to a point of no return, or is there room for improvement?
Dr. Morozova: I wouldn’t say it’s a point of no return. Historical patterns show that U.S.-Russia relations go through cycles of tension and rapprochement. While current relations are strained, new leadership in the U.S. presents an opportunity for reset. Putin’s congratulatory remarks to Trump imply a willingness for engagement, but it will largely depend on how the Trump administration approaches foreign policy and addresses contentious issues.
Editor: Speaking of new leadership, how significant do you think Trump’s victory is in terms of altering the course of U.S.-Russia relations?
Dr. Morozova: Trump’s victory could indeed signify a shift, especially if his administration pursues a less confrontational approach toward Russia than his predecessor did. There are considerable geopolitical challenges at play, and Trump’s previous rhetoric suggests he may be open to exploring more pragmatic relations. However, this could also lead to internal political pushback from Congress, which remains skeptical of Russia.
Editor: Putin expressed that “the ball is in America’s court.” What leverage does the United States hold in this context, and how might it influence Russia’s strategic decisions?
Dr. Morozova: The U.S. holds significant leverage through its economic power, military alliances, and influence in international organizations. Sanctions imposed on Russia have deeply affected its economy, and any discussion of lifting them could be a crucial bargaining chip for the U.S. However, the key will be carefully crafting any agreements that might encourage cooperation while ensuring U.S. security interests are safeguarded.
Editor: With the Cold War mentality lingering in both nations, what are the steps we can anticipate in moving toward more stable relations?
Dr. Morozova: We can expect initial overtures, such as diplomatic dialogues and potential summits, aimed at reducing tensions. Transparency and confidence-building measures will be essential. However, addressing contentious issues like cybersecurity, military engagements, and international conflicts is crucial for paving the way toward a more stable relationship. Each step must be taken with caution to avoid misinterpretation and escalation.
Editor: It certainly sounds like a complex path ahead. Before we wrap up, what would you say to our audience who might feel apprehensive about future relations between the U.S. and Russia?
Dr. Morozova: I would encourage them to remain informed and open-minded. While the relationship has been marked by conflict and disagreement, there is also potential for collaboration on global issues like climate change and terrorism. Continued dialogue is essential, and it is important to recognize that diplomacy can often lead to unexpected and positive outcomes.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Morozova. It’s been enlightening to hear your insights on this crucial topic. And to our audience, we will continue to monitor developments in U.S.-Russia relations closely and keep you updated. Thank you for joining us today!