Trump-Putin talks hint at new US‑Russia cooperation

Peskov was interviewed by VGTRK, the All-Russia State Television and Radio Company. He emphasised that Donald Trump is aiming to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, something that could not be said about Joe Biden.

The new administration apparently has a different stance than Biden's administration. The new administration talks about peace, about economic cooperation prospects that will benefit everyone. They discuss agreements. This tone resonates more with us. We believe the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries is immeasurable - Peskov stated, as quoted by "Komsomolskaya Pravda".

Peskov also referred to the American announcement regarding the desire to take over Ukrainian nuclear power plants. It should be recalled that Donald Trump stated that Americans could take over Ukrainian plants for their safety. Volodymyr Zelensky has already rejected this proposal.

- We do not know what exactly Washington and Kiev are talking about. We heard a statement from Zelensky and representatives of the Kiev regime that they will not hand over anything to anyone. Kiev can promise a lot, but the price of its words is small - Peskov assessed.

He added that "undoubtedly" there will be more discussions between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump regarding Ukraine.

- The presidents of Russia and the United States, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, agreed to continue contacts if necessary. The teams of the two countries also exchange information in a timely manner. In addition, contacts have been established between the teams - he continued. When asked about informal telephone conversations between Trump and Putin, he replied that the Kremlin informs about "the conversations that we know about, but we cannot rule out anything else."

Peskov assessed that Moscow and Washington face "a lot of painstaking work." He emphasised that Putin supports stopping the fighting, but there are certain "nuances" and questions" that need answers. He mentioned, among other things, the possible resumption of the Black Sea initiative or the grain agreement.

Peskov also announced that "sanctions will not be lifted." Therefore, Russian entrepreneurs should not harbour illusions.

Sanctions will not be lifted. Sanctions are here to stay. These are permanent measures to contain Russia. We have become accustomed to them and have learned how to counteract them. And we must understand that we will have to continue to live like this - he declared.

Peskov did not address the fact that Russia initiated the war in Ukraine, and the conflict could end immediately if Russian troops withdrew to their own country.