More recently, the Kremlin leader has expressed willingness to engage with Trump, who said he could end the war within 24 hours of taking office, though the president-elect has not disclosed specifics of his plan.
Russian officials and business elites previously told The Moscow Times that they see Trump’s return to the White House as an opportunity to weaken European resolve and partially restore relations with Washington.
Putin reportedly reaffirmed Russia’s negotiating position, including its security concerns and front-line status, in a recent phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that was criticized by the Ukrainian authorities.
Moscow and Kyiv have not engaged in direct peace talks since the early weeks of the invasion, which is closely approaching its third-year mark.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Continue
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.