Kremlin 'unaware' of Putin's plans to congratulate Trump over election victory

MOSCOW

The Kremlin spokesman said on Wednesday he is "unaware" of any plans by Russian President Vladimir Putin to congratulate Donald Trump, who won the US presidential race the second time.

Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris after winning 277 Electoral College votes, according to The Associated Press.

At a press briefing in Moscow, Dmitry Peskov underscored that Trump, as a representative of an "unfriendly country," is part of a government engaged, directly and indirectly, in conflict with Russia.

Asked if Putin would be prepared for a post-election phone conversation with Trump, Peskov responded: "I refer to Putin's consistent openness to dialogue and engagement. This position is well-known worldwide. As for other details, let us await specific developments."

"President Putin has repeatedly reiterated that he is open to constructive dialogue based on justice, equality, and willingness to take into account each other's concerns. And President Putin retains this attitude. ... At the moment, the US administration has a diametrically opposite attitude. We'll see what happens in January," he said.

The official stressed that the Kremlin will give its assessment on Trump's presidency after he outlines his position on matters related to Russia.

As for the conflict in Ukraine, Washington could contribute to ending it but it hardly can be done overnight, the spokesman said.

"Since it is the US that is the state that incites and constantly adds kerosene into this conflict and takes a direct part in it, then yes, the US is able to change this trajectory of its foreign policy. Whether it will be done and how, if it is, we will see after January," he said.

Peskov also dismissed accusations of interference in the US election, reiterating that Russia does not meddle in the internal affairs of other nations and firmly upholds its own policy of non-interference.

Responding to a question about the future of Russian-US relations, he said they are currently at a historic low and the trajectory of ties will ultimately depend on the next US administration.

Commenting on the positive response of Russian politicians to Trump’s victory, the spokesman explained that it was because of Trump’s stated peace-oriented goals.

"You know that during the campaign, while there were some harsh statements from Mr. Trump, ... there were also remarks indicating his peaceful intentions in foreign affairs and his desire to end the cycle of ongoing conflicts and avoid igniting new ones," he said.