Russian President Vladimir Putin is not rushing to offer his congratulations to his newly elected American counterpart, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced on Wednesday.
Peskov stated that the U.S. is currently an “unfriendly” country to Russia, particularly due to its active support of Ukraine in the ongoing conflict.
“I’m not aware of any plans by the president to congratulate Trump,” Peskov told reporters after Trump’s claimed victory over Democratic candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris.
He noted that the U.S. supports Ukraine directly and indirectly, making relations complex.
“We’re talking about an unfriendly country that’s involved in a war against our nation,” Peskov added, as cited by the Moscow Times.
While Putin remains “open” to future dialogue with Trump, Peskov suggested that the first steps toward improving relations should not come from Russia.
Meanwhile, Trump has voiced intentions to bring about a resolution to the Ukraine war, which he has criticized U.S. President Joe Biden for “mismanaging.”
Trump even claimed he could end the war before his inauguration by negotiating a peace deal, a proposal that would require Ukraine to cede territory to Russia.
In Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky swiftly extended congratulations to Trump, noting his support for a “peace through strength” policy.
