Russia signals “readiness” to engage with US new administration, but will uphold “Ukraine special operation” goals

The Russian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday announced its readiness to engage with the incoming US administration under President-elect Donald Trump, while firmly emphasising that Russia’s objectives in its “special military operation” in Ukraine would remain a priority.

“Our conditions are unchanged and are well known in Washington,” the Ministry reiterated, underscoring that Russia will engage diplomatically once the new administration is in place but will continue to focus on advancing its national interests, especially those related to its ongoing operation.

The Ministry commented on the election results, suggesting that Trump’s win reflects American “dissatisfaction with the Biden administration” and the Democratic Party’s platform.

The statement noted, “The victory of Donald Trump in the US presidential elections, after a four-year hiatus, certainly reflects the dissatisfaction of Americans with both the results of the Biden administration and the Democratic Party’s election program.”

Additionally, the Ministry acknowledged its familiarity with President-
elect Trump and the incoming Congress, in which preliminary data indicate a Republican majority. “We hold no illusions about President-elect Donald Trump, who is well known in Russia, or about the new composition of Congress,” the statement added.