Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Monday for taking office hours before Trump's inauguration in Washington and said he was open to dialogue with the new U.S. administration on Ukraine and nuclear arms.
Putin, who said he wanted to secure a long-lasting peace in Ukraine rather than a short cease-fire, made the comments during a meeting of Russia's Security Council that was shown on state TV.
"We see the statements by the newly elected president of the United States and members of his team about the desire to restore direct contacts with Russia," said Putin.
"We also hear his statement about the need to do everything possible to prevent World War Three. We of course welcome this attitude and congratulate the elected president of the United States of America on taking office."