Tue Jan 21 16:12:34 UTC 2025: ## Putin and Xi Emphasize Strong Ties Amidst Trump’s Inauguration

**Moscow, January 21, 2025** – Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a video conference today, reaffirming their strong bilateral relationship a day after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th U.S. President. The over 90-minute call focused on the two nations’ prospective interactions with the new U.S. administration.

Both leaders highlighted the robust nature of their partnership, built on shared interests and mutual benefit, emphasizing its independence from internal political factors or the current international climate. They underscored their joint commitment to a more just, multipolar world order and ensuring security in Eurasia. China’s role as a crucial Russian trading partner, particularly in energy and technology, amidst Western sanctions, was implicitly acknowledged.

While neither Putin nor Xi directly mentioned Trump during the televised portion of their conversation, the Kremlin confirmed that their discussion included potential contacts with the incoming U.S. administration. President Xi had already spoken with President Trump by phone on Friday, expressing hopes for positive U.S.-China relations. Trump, during his inaugural remarks, indicated a desire for a peace deal in Ukraine and suggested Russia would be harming itself by failing to cooperate.

Putin’s foreign affairs advisor, Yuri Ushakov, stated that the Putin-Xi call was pre-planned but that Xi briefed Putin on his conversation with Trump. Ushakov added that both leaders expressed a willingness to engage with Washington on a mutually beneficial basis, contingent on reciprocal interest from the Trump administration.

Putin himself has congratulated Trump on his inauguration and welcomed his stated openness to dialogue with Moscow. However, the Kremlin is awaiting concrete proposals from the U.S. before engaging in substantive talks on the Ukrainian conflict. Putin stressed the necessity of a long-term peace agreement in Ukraine that respects the interests of all parties involved, rather than a temporary ceasefire. He reiterated this sentiment in a prior address to the Russian Security Council, emphasizing the importance of equal and respectful dialogue with the U.S. based on mutual respect and recognition of both countries’ global influence.

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