Russia open to equal dialogue with US, awaits signals: Kremlin

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
23 Jan 2025 14:23
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Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov says Russia is open to an equal and respectful dialogue with the United States, though it has not yet received signals from Washington indicating a willingness to engage.

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Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov attends a meeting at Kazan Kremlin in Russia, on October 22, 2024. (AP)

Russia remains ready for an equal and respectful dialogue with the United States but has yet to receive any signals from Washington indicating a willingness to engage in such discussions, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Thursday.

This comes shortly after US President Donald Trump remarked that he does not seek to harm Russia, expressing his admiration for the Russian people and his positive relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Peskov stated, "We are, of course, watching very closely all the rhetoric, all the statements. We are carefully recording all the nuances, we remain ready for dialogue, president Putin has repeatedly spoken about this. For an equal dialogue, for a mutually respectful dialogue — this dialogue took place between the two presidents, again, during Trump's first presidency, and we are waiting for signals, waiting for signals that have not yet been received."

Furthermore, the Kremlin spokesperson suggested that the United States benefits financially from providing aid to Ukraine. He argued that the US profits by selling costly energy resources to European nations while also redirecting funds into its own military industry, generating new taxes, creating jobs, and advancing technological development.

According to Peskov, these actions ultimately contribute to a successful economic business model for the US.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Peskov said there are currently no plans for a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan but maintained that such talks could be arranged within hours if needed. He confirmed that while a conversation is not scheduled, "Putin and Erdogan coordinate conversations in just a few hours, so if necessary, it will be held."

Kremlin: No Western European country free from interference in internal affairs

The Kremlin spokesperson stated that no Western European country is immune from interference in its internal affairs.

Peskov's remarks followed Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s assertion on Tuesday that opposition groups in Slovakia were planning a "Maidan" coup. The Slovak Security Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday to review information from the Slovak Information Service (SIS) regarding a long-term organized influence operation aimed at destabilizing the country.

He emphasized, "It is obvious that none of the countries, including Western European countries, is currently immune from interference in their internal affairs." He noted that while some countries have taken decisive steps to counter such interference, others have chosen to "patiently endure all the humiliation."

In a different context, the spokesperson confirmed that Russia is maintaining ongoing communications with the new regime forces in Syria regarding all current matters.

Peskov commented on reports that Syria had decided to end its agreement with Russia concerning the lease of the port of Tartus, stating, "I can only say that we continue our contacts with the Syrian leadership on all current issues." He also clarified that the matter is within the purview of the foreign and defense ministries.