In a recent televised session of Russia’s Security Council, President Vladimir Putin addressed President-elect Donald Trump, urging him to take steps to prevent the outbreak of World War III.

Putin extended his congratulations to Trump on his election victory, which came just hours before Trump’s inaugural address as the 47th President of the United States.

Putin acknowledged Trump’s expressed desire to avoid global conflict, stating, “We hear [Trump’s] statements on the need to prevent World War III.

We undoubtedly welcome such a disposition and congratulate the elected US president.”

He emphasized the potential for improving relations between Russia and the United States, especially in light of Trump and his team’s discussions about re-establishing direct communication.

Putin also pointed out that the outgoing Biden administration had severed communication channels, claiming that Moscow has always been open to dialogue.

He stressed that future US-Russia relations should be founded on principles of “equality and mutual respect.” He insisted that Russia “never turned down this dialogue” and emphasized that US-Russia relations should be founded on “equality and mutual respect.”