Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday said that he was “not aware" of any plans by Russian President Vladimir Putin to congratulate Donald Trump, who has claimed victory in the US presidential election.
“I’m not aware of any plans by the president to congratulate Trump," Peskov told the media.
Further adding to that comment, Peskov said, “Let’s not forget that we are talking about an unfriendly country that is directly and indirectly involved in a war against our state," referring to US support for Ukraine.
When asked if relations between Russia and the US could deteriorate further if Putin chose not to congratulate Trump, he said: “It is almost impossible to worsen them further, relations are at their historically lowest point. What happens next will depend on the next US leadership."
Peskov added that Russian President had repeatedly expressed his openness to “constructive dialogue based on fairness and equality," and a willingness to consider each other’s concerns. However, he said, “At the moment, the U.S. administration is diametrically opposed, and what will happen in January – we will see."
Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Wednesday denied US accusations of interfering in the presidential election, saying that the United States should focus on solving its own problems rather than looking for issues abroad.
“It would be logical for the next US president, whoever he or she may be, to focus on solving own country’s problems and not looking for adventures tens of thousands of miles away from the US coast," Zakharova said.
She also added, “We wish the American nation to overcome the crisis of democracy and the split in society."
The Kremlin spokeswoman, when asked about the potential outcome of the US election and its impact on Russia, said that it “makes no difference" to the country.
“In general, it makes no difference for Russia what the election outcome will be, given the two-party consensus that emerged in the United States regarding the confrontation toward our country," she noted.
Zakharova added that if any changes in US policy do occur or new proposals are presented, Russia would be open to examine them based on whether they align with its interests.
“In any case Russia will resolutely defend its interests, particularly where national security is concerned," she stated.
