Elena Teslova
27 February 2025•Update: 27 February 2025
MOSCOW
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said that "not everyone is pleased" with the recent Russia-US contacts aimed at normalization of ties, claiming that there are attempts by "Western elites" to disrupt the process.
Speaking at the headquarters of the Russian Federal Security Service in Moscow on the occasion of the Special Operations Forces Day, Putin praised the approach of US President Donald Trump’s administration on global affairs, saying: "The current US partners demonstrate pragmatism and a realistic approach, moving beyond stereotypes."
"I would like to note that the initial contacts with the new American administration inspire a degree of hope. There is a shared commitment to working toward the restoration of interstate relations and gradually addressing the vast accumulation of systemic and strategic problems in the global order," he said.
According to Putin's assessment, the mentioned problems triggered the Ukrainian crisis and other regional conflicts.
The Russian leader said that Moscow is ready for peace talks on the Ukrainian settlement, as well as for the broader contacts, including with Europe on a common security system that considers the interests of all parties, including Russia.
Putin claimed that the advance of Russian forces in Ukraine has created conditions for the start of a “serious dialogue” and a “comprehensive resolution of both the Ukrainian crisis and other conflicts,” including through peaceful means.
“A dialogue on establishing a system that genuinely guarantees balance and mutual consideration of interests, a system of indivisible European and global security for the long term where the security of some is not ensured at the expense or to the detriment of others. And certainly, not at our expense, not at Russia’s expense,” he stressed.
Putin's remarks came as the US and Russian sides held talks in Istanbul on prospects of removing obstacles in the work of diplomatic missions.
He instructed intelligence services to thwart "attempts by Western elites" to interfere with dialogue between Moscow and Washington.
"We understand that not everyone welcomes the resumption of Russian-American contacts. Part of the Western elites remain intent on maintaining global instability, and these forces will seek to undermine or discredit the dialogue that has begun. We can see this happening," he stressed.
Putin stressed the necessity of taking into account and utilize all available diplomatic and intelligence resources to prevent such attempts.
"Most importantly, as always, we must remain steadfast in protecting our national interests, our sovereignty, and the lives and freedoms of our citizens against any threats," he said.
Putin also said the activity of foreign intelligence services in Russia increased after the beginning of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
