Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed high praise for former U.S. President Donald Trump, stating he would be willing to meet with him if such an opportunity arises.
Speaking during a press conference on Friday, Putin said he does not rule out international contacts and would welcome a meeting with Trump.
“I am always open to contact and meetings. I know that Trump has also spoken about the possibility of a meeting,” Putin told reporters.
The Kremlin leader also commended Trump’s determination to return to power and his efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine.
“I truly respect him. He has gone through a difficult path to regain power and return to the White House. He has survived multiple assassination attempts. He is brave, and that is clear. What he is doing is highly appreciated. I believe he is sincerely committed to solving the problems in Ukraine,” the Russian president stated.
In the same public appearance, Putin also addressed the ongoing negotiations over the Ukraine conflict, confirming that both sides remain in contact through their respective teams.
“The negotiators are in direct contact, and the heads of the delegations are discussing a possible date for a meeting,” he said.
Putin added that Russia is prepared to return more bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers to Kyiv.
“Moscow is ready to hand over to Kyiv another 3,000 bodies of fallen soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. So far, we have returned 6,000, and we are ready to return nearly 3,000 more. But it remains up to the Ukrainian side to decide whether they will accept the bodies of their fallen soldiers,” Putin concluded.
