Key takeaways:

• Vladimir Putin expressed readiness to negotiate with Donald Trump and highlighted the need for communication from the U.S.
• Trump's assertion that lower oil prices could resolve the Ukraine conflict was dismissed by the Kremlin.
• Putin described Trump as “clever and pragmatic,” echoing Trump's claims about the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
• Both leaders have indicated interest in resuming peace talks amidst ongoing tensions.
• The Kremlin emphasized that the Ukraine conflict is not tied to fluctuations in oil prices.

MOSCOW — The Kremlin confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, awaiting further communication from Washington. As tensions continue over the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Putin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, remarked, “Putin is ready. We are waiting for signals,” following Trump’s comments at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. During his speech, Trump suggested that a reduction in oil prices could lead to a swift resolution of the war, stating, “If the price came down, the Russia-Ukraine war would end immediately.” This notion was firmly rebuffed by Peskov, who insisted, “The conflict doesn’t depend on oil prices,” attributing the war to perceived threats against Russia’s national security and a refusal from the West to engage with Russian security concerns.

In reiterating his support for Trump, Putin described the former president as both "smart" and "pragmatic," suggesting that the current conflict might have been avoided had Trump remained in office. “I cannot but agree with him that if he had been president—if his victory hadn’t been stolen in 2020—then maybe there would not have been the crisis in Ukraine that emerged in 2022,” Putin commented during a recent interview. These remarks reflect Trump’s repeated assertions that he could have prevented the conflict were he still in power.

Despite the escalating situation, crucial diplomatic engagements may be on the horizon. Trump has indicated readiness to impose significant tariffs and sanctions on Russia if hostilities do not cease, while expressing respect for the Russian people and a desire to negotiate peace. “Let’s get this war, which never would have started if I were President, over with,” he stated. Meanwhile, Putin has expressed interest in resuming discussions on nuclear arms control, signifying a potential thaw in U.S.-Russia relations.

While both leaders express a willingness to engage, the prospect of actual negotiations remains uncertain. The Kremlin has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his previous refusal to consider talks with Russia, complicating any potential effort to deescalate the conflict. Putin highlighted the importance of a conducive environment for negotiations by saying, “How is it possible to conduct talks if they are banned?”

As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the focus remains on the possibility of dialogue between the two leaders, with both sides acknowledging the importance of addressing not only the crisis in Ukraine but also broader issues affecting U.S.-Russia relations. The international community looks on, hopeful for steps towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

For more details, see the original reports from AP News, India Times, Newsweek, LA Times.