Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his readiness to meet with President-elect Trump, marking a potential shift in relations after a four-year communication hiatus.
Putin's willingness to engage with the incoming American leader was made clear during a state-sponsored television press conference. "I havent spoken to him for more than four years, and I am ready for it, of course, at any time," Putin stated. "I will be ready for a meeting if he wants it.
As reported by The Hill, Putin acknowledged that he and Trump, who has previously boasted about his rapport with the Russian leader, would have "a lot to talk about." The Russian President also addressed perceptions of Russia's position on the global stage, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. "I believe that Russia has become much stronger over the past two or three years. Why? Because we are becoming a truly sovereign country," Putin declared. "We are no longer dependent on anyone."
Despite facing criticism over the Ukraine conflict and territorial expansion efforts, Putin signaled his openness to negotiations requiring compromise. "Politics is the art of compromise. And we have always said that we are ready for both negotiations and compromises," he asserted. He also indicated that Russia has been consistently open to negotiations, but the opposing side has been reluctant to engage.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has also strongly advocated for Ukraine to include Russia in peace talks, but suggests this should occur when Ukraine is in a position of strength on the battlefield. "Make sure that Ukraine has what it needs to get to a position of strength when those peace talks start, when the Ukrainian government has decided they are ready to do so," Rutte advised earlier this month.
The question remains whether Trump will accept Putin's invitation to discuss the Ukraine conflict ahead of his inauguration. The president-elect has been engaging with foreign leaders in recent weeks, even extending invitations to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. As the world watches, the potential meeting between Trump and Putin could signal a new chapter in U.S.-Russia relations, one that could have significant implications for global politics.
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