Moscow [Russia], January 23: Today (January 22), Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said the Moscow government sees an opportunity, albeit small, in negotiating with the new administration under US President Donald Trump.
"We cannot yet say anything about the level of negotiating capabilities of the new US administration, but when compared to the hopelessness in all aspects of the previous White House (under Joe Biden), there is a chance for negotiations , albeit small," TASS quoted the Russian deputy minister as saying at the Institute for American and Canadian Studies in Moscow.
According to the diplomat, who is in charge of relations with the US and arms control, it is important to understand what and with whom the Russian side will need to negotiate, the best ways to build relations with Washington, how to maximize opportunities and minimize risks.
President Putin has repeatedly mentioned his readiness to sit at the negotiating table to end the conflict in Ukraine . Some key conditions for negotiations are that the world must recognize Russia's sovereignty over the 20% of Ukrainian territory that Moscow has controlled since the outbreak of hostilities, and that the Kyiv government must maintain a state of neutrality.
Deputy Minister Ryabkov later confirmed that Russia is preparing to establish contact between President Putin and his counterpart Trump, but the two sides have so far not reached any agreement regarding this possibility.
"Perhaps when we hear something clearer and more concrete from Washington, then we will start working on the schedule and organizational details," Ryabkov said.
During the election campaign, Mr. Trump mentioned that once he became President of the United States, he would quickly end the war in Ukraine, but did not specify how he would achieve this goal.
One day after taking office, President Trump warned on January 21 that he would likely increase sanctions against Russia if his counterpart Putin refused to negotiate.
The new White House owner also did not clarify the sanctions that could await Russia if peace talks fail.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
