Putin: Russia is willing to engage in dialogue with the U.S. government on the situation in Ukraine

News on January 20, Russian President Putin stated that Russia is ready to engage in dialogue with the new US government on the issue of Ukraine at any time, but the root cause of the crisis must be eliminated. The goal of resolving the problem should be lasting peace, not a temporary ceasefire.

Putin said in a meeting held with permanent members of the Russian Security Council on Monday, "We are willing to discuss the Ukrainian conflict with the new US government. The most important thing is to eliminate the root causes of this crisis. As for resolving situation itself, I want to reiterate once again that its aim should not be a temporary truce or regrouping and rearming troops for continued conflict. Instead it should achieve long-term peace based on respecting legitimate interests of all people living in this region."