Russia urges Trump to rectify mistakes made by Biden on Ukraine

MOSCOW

Russia is urging US President Donald Trump and his administration to address and rectify the mistakes made by their predecessors, President Joe Biden and his team, regarding the situation in Ukraine, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.

Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Zakharova emphasized that these mistakes were made in an official, national capacity.

"Biden made them as head of state, his administration made them as the government in power, and American officials made them as representatives of the United States of America. And what is done with mistakes made on behalf of the country or in the course of governance? They are corrected," she stressed.

The spokeswoman added that since the current administration has repeatedly acknowledged and argued that the situation in Ukraine stems from the errors of the previous administration, it seems logical that those mistakes should now be corrected.

Russia started its "special military operation” in Ukraine in February 2022. The US administration led by Biden and its allies provided weapons and aid to Kyiv, and imposed sweeping economic and financial sanctions on Moscow.

Trump has vowed to end the conflict quickly. On Wednesday he urged Russia to "settle now" or face more "taxes, tariffs and sanctions."

In response to Anadolu's question whether a meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries, typically a precursor to presidential talks, was planned, Zakharova said: "No, as of now, such an option has not been requested by the US."

Asked about Russia's assessment of Trump's decision to lift sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank, Zakharova said Moscow is awaiting the new administration's broader strategy for the Middle East.

"First and foremost, decisions by regional stakeholders -- residents, the people -- should be evaluated," she said.

"However, this is ultimately the decision of the president of the United States. Perhaps we will revisit this topic once the administration's overall strategy becomes clear, supported by concrete steps and a comprehensive vision."

The spokeswoman noted that right now Moscow observes what appear to be "sporadic, standalone decisions."

"I believe more time is needed to understand the full scope of the US strategy in the Middle East. Many statements have been made, but tangible actions are just beginning. Let’s wait for a more cohesive picture to emerge," she said.