Putin expresses willingness to discuss ongoing conflict in Ukraine with Trump

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine with US President Donald Trump. 

In a statement made on February 19, Putin confirmed his desire to engage in talks, responding to journalists' questions during his visit to a drone manufacturing plant in St. Petersburg, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

The Russian president noted that it had been some time since he last met with his American counterpart. However, he clarified that no specific date for the meeting had been set, as it requires proper preparation.

Putin emphasised that a series of important issues must be addressed before such a meeting takes place, with the goal of finding mutually acceptable solutions. He specifically mentioned the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as one of the key topics to be discussed. The Russian president also stated that the desire for a bilateral meeting is mutual. He pointed out that Trump has started receiving more objective information, indicating a positive direction for future talks. 

Earlier, Press Secretary of the Russian president Dmitry Peskov stated that a certain level of preparation by the foreign ministry is required before a meeting between Putin and Trump. He added that while the meeting could potentially occur before the end of February, there is a possibility that both sides may not meet the proposed timeline.

By Naila Huseynova