Putin congratulates Trump ahead of inauguration, open to talks on Ukraine and nuclear arms

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent his congratulations to US. President-elect Donald Trump just hours before his inauguration, expressing his readiness for discussions with the new US administration on key global issues such as Ukraine and nuclear arms.

Follow our live blog for the latest updates from Donald Trump’s inauguration today

In a meeting of Russia’s Security Council, Putin reiterated his commitment to securing a “long-lasting peace” in Ukraine, as opposed to settling for a temporary ceasefire.

As Trump prepares to take the oath of office on January 20 as the 47th president of the United States, significant figures are gathering in Washington for the swearing-in ceremony.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to represent the country, while tech moguls Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg are expected to attend, joining Trump’s inauguration as some of the world’s wealthiest individuals.

The Washington area is bracing for a bout of snow and frigid temperatures, prompting a shift in the ceremony’s logistics. Due to the extreme weather, Trump will deliver his inaugural address indoors at the US Capitol Rotunda, and the inaugural parade will be moved to the arena.

Upon his swearing-in, President Trump is poised to sign an unprecedented 100 executive orders on his first day in office. These actions, he has indicated, will focus on implementing the “most aggressive sweeping effort to restore our borders the world has ever seen,” while also prioritising “transparency and accountability” within the US government.