In a pivotal New Year video call lasting over 90 minutes, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed pressing global issues, including the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Western sanctions, and Moscow’s potential diplomatic engagement with the US under Donald Trump’s recently inaugurated second term. The Kremlin, through foreign-policy aide Yuri Ushakov, offered insights into the high-stakes conversation held on January 21, highlighting the growing strategic alignment between Moscow and Beijing.

At the heart of the discussion was the Ukraine conflict, which has escalated into a defining global issue. Putin reportedly reiterated Moscow’s readiness to negotiate with Washington to bring an end to the fighting, provided there is genuine interest from Trump’s administration. “Moscow is ready to build relations on a mutually beneficial and respectful basis if Trump’s team really shows a counter interest in this,” Ushakov emphasized.

Trump has previously pledged to resolve the Ukraine conflict within 24 hours of taking office, a bold claim that has garnered widespread attention. According to the reports, Trump’s team has floated the idea of initiating a direct phone call with Moscow, which could occur soon after the inauguration. Reports also suggest the possibility of a peace plan, potentially including a ceasefire along current front lines and an 800-mile (1,300-kilometer) demilitarized zone patrolled by European troops.

While the Kremlin has yet to be contacted by Washington regarding a potential phone call, Putin welcomed Trump’s statements on improving US-Russia relations and de-escalating the Ukraine........

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