KAZAN: Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that the future of US-Russia relations will depend on Washington’s approach after the upcoming US presidential election.
Speaking at a press conference at the conclusion of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Putin said that Moscow is open to cooperation if the United States demonstrates a willingness to engage, but is equally prepared for strained relations if necessary.
“How Russian-American relations will develop after the election will depend on the United States. If they are open, then we will also be open. And if they don’t want it, then fine,” Putin told reporters.
When questioned about US claims that North Korea had sent 3,000 soldiers for potential deployment in Ukraine, Putin neither confirmed nor denied the allegations. He reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to its strategic partnership with North Korea, stating, “We are in cooperation with our North Korean friends… What we will do is our business.”
US intelligence has reported that North Korean forces are training in Russia’s Far East, with potential plans to aid Russian efforts in Ukraine. Additionally, Russia’s lower house of parliament passed a “mutual military assistance” bill with North Korea, which could allow these soldiers to be deployed against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region, pending final approval.
Putin emphasized Russia’s autonomy in its military decisions and dismissed Western concerns over escalations in the Ukraine conflict. He said that any peace talks with Ukraine must account for the territory currently controlled by Russian forces, declaring, “We are ready to look at any proposals for peace negotiations that are based on the realities on the ground. We won’t accept anything else.”
Putin also praised the BRICS coalition, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as an open platform that welcomes new members who share its values. “BRICS is not a closed format in itself; it is open to everyone who shares BRICS values,” he said, stressing that the group is determined to build a more democratic, multipolar world order.
“BRICS cannot but respond to the growing demand in the world for such cooperation,” he emphasized. “We paid special attention to the problem of the possible expansion of BRICS through the creation of a new category of partner states,” Putin added.
The Russian leader noted that the member states “are ready to work on finding joint solutions without dictates from outside or attempts to impose only some narrow approaches on anyone”
The Russian leader also addressed worsening economic conditions in Europe, attributing them to domestic policies rather than Russian actions. He reiterated that European countries’ decision to renounce Russian energy was causing difficulties for their industries, particularly in Germany, and questioned their adherence to global climate goals.
Putin welcomed statements made by US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who has expressed a desire to end the conflict in Ukraine. Putin described Trump’s remarks as “sincere” and said, “Of course we welcome statements like this, whoever they come from.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said any proposals for peace with Ukraine must take into account the territory held by Russian forces.
