Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed openness to discussions with US President Donald Trump on several issues, including the Ukraine war and energy prices. During a televised year-end press conference and phone-in in Moscow, Putin said it would be a good idea for the two leaders to meet to talk calmly about issues of mutual interest.
Putin acknowledged that negotiations with Ukraine are complicated by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s decree preventing talks with him. He described Trump as “smart and pragmatic,” and said he does not expect the US president to make decisions on sanctions that would harm the US economy.
The Russian leader said his country is ready to meet with Trump, but the decision ultimately depends on the actions of the current US administration. Putin’s willingness to engage with Trump comes amid threats from the US president to impose new sanctions and tariffs on Russia if the war in Ukraine is not ended.
