Agencies letters@hindustantimes.com MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he was ready for talks at "any time" with US President-elect Donald Trump, who has touted his ability to strike a Ukraine peace deal within hours of coming to office.
Trump, who will return to the White House in January, has stoked fears in Kyiv that he could force Ukraine to accept peace on terms favourable to Moscow.
Holding his annual end-of-year press conference, the 72-year-old Kremlin leader said his troops held the upper hand across the battlefield and he only regretted not starting the offensive earlier.
But he was forced to admit he does not know when Russia will take back the western Kursk region where Ukrainian troops launched an incursion in August.
The traditional annual question and answer sessions are largely a televised show while also being a rare setting in which Putin is put on the spot with some uncomfortable questions. Putin spoke for just under four and a half hours.
Asked about Trump's overtures regarding a possible peace deal, Putin said he would welcome a meeting with the incoming Republican.
"I don't know when I'm going to see him. He isn't saying anything about it. I haven't talked to him in more than four years. I am ready for it, of course. Any time," Putin said.
"If we ever have a meeting with President-elect Trump, I am sure we'll have a lot to talk about," he said, adding that Russia was ready for "negotiations and compromises".
Kursk offensive Russia's troops have been advancing in eastern Ukraine for months, with Putin repeatedly touting their prowess on the battlefield. But asked by a woman from the Kursk region when residents will be able to return to their homes there, after thousands were evacuated from frontline areas amid the Ukrainian assault, Putin said he could not name a date.
This story is from the December 20, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times Navi Mumbai.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 20, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times Navi Mumbai.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Cummins, the pace spearhead driving Australia's serial success
Knack for wickets, unparalleled control and a never-say-die attitude for which Glenn McGrath will be revered as possibly the greatest Australian fast bowler in the last four decades.
Agarkar to Brief Selectors Ahead of BCCI Meet on Sunday
The selection committee will be in full attendance for the knockout rounds of the Vijay Hazare Trophy one-dayers in Vadodara, which start with the pre-quarter finals on Thursday.
Djokovic: At his happy hunting ground, with an old foe in tow
The Serbian has worked with Becker, Agassi and Ivanisevic. In Murray he has access to the mind of a master tactician
Indian hockey players bonding with the best in relaunched HIL
Skipper Sumit Walmiki and Australian Tim Brand walked to the dugout, shared a laugh and high-fived after Hyderabad Toofans' practice.
Shooter Tomar Finds Fresh High After Domestic Double
Varun Tomar's dream of representing India at the Paris Olympics was crushed when he lost in the domestic selection trials to pick the final squad.
Neeraj to star in a world javelin event in India
India's two-time Olympic medallist and reigning world champion Neeraj Chopra will be the star attraction in a marquee international javelin tournament at home later this year, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) said on Tuesday.
Cloud over review of 14-yr-old trade pact with Asean
THE REVIEW HAS STALLED SINCE INDIA'S OFFER OF A UNIFIED DUTY STRUCTURE HAS NOT FOUND FAVOUR AMONG ASEAN MEMBERS
Meta Goes For Community Notes, Ends Fact-Checking
Meta Platforms chief executive officer (CEO) Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday announced a decision to do away with the company's long-standing fact-checking teams—choosing instead to establish a 'community notes' mechanism akin to Elon Musk's X, formerly Twitter.
Capex allocation likely to rise 10% for roads, rlys
The Centre proposes to keep its focus on rapid infrastructure growth in the next financial year, with plans to push capex allocation for the ministries of road transport and highways, and railways in the upcoming budget by up to 10%, two persons aware of the development said.
Microsoft to Invest $3 Billion in AI, Cloud Expansion in India
The tech giant also plans to train 10 million people in AI skills in India by 2030
