Russian President Vladimir Putin ensured on Thursday that he had not spoken with United States President-elect Donald Trump for more than four years, but he insisted that he is "prepared for conversation," or even a meeting with him "at any time."
Putin said during the annual end-of-year conference that he will not be in a weaker position in talks with Trump, because "Russia became much stronger over the past two or three years." He also said that Moscow "will take decisions without taking anyone's opinion into account," following only its own national interests.
Furthermore, Putin stressed that Russia is ready to engage in negotiations with Ukraine, emphasizing that "the other side" needs to be open to "talks and compromises."
