Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he has not spoken to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump for four years but is open to meeting with him.
Putin made this statement during his annual direct line with the media, hinting that he expects Trump to initiate any such meeting.
You asked what I could propose to President-elect Trump when we meet. Well, first of all, I don’t know when that will happen because he hasn’t mentioned it. I haven’t spoken with him for over four years. I’m, of course, ready for that anytime. I’m open to a meeting, Putin said to journalists on Thursday.
It’s worth noting that during his election campaign, Trump frequently boasted about his good relationship with Putin.
In her memoirs, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel described her challenging interactions with Trump, calling him someone who was charmed by authoritarian leaders.
In November, media reported that Putin unofficially congratulated Trump on his election victory through intermediaries. In addition, the media reported a phone conversation between Trump and Putin after the U.S. election, although the Kremlin denied it.
