Putin concludes the BRICS summit that was overshadowed by the war in Ukraine – DW – 10/25/2024

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was “open” to improving relations with the United States – if Washington was willing to do so – at the conclusion of a three-day BRICS summit in Kazan on Friday.

Putin told reporters at a press conference, “How Russian-American relations will develop after the elections will depend on the United States. If it is open, then we will be open as well. If they do not want that, that’s okay.” .

Relations between Russia and the United States fell to their lowest levels after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Last month, the US Department of Justice brought charges against two employees of Russia’s state media network, RT, for attempting to manipulate American public opinion ahead of the November election.

But despite Russia’s international isolation due to the war in Ukraine, Russian President Putin received representatives from more than 36 countries in Kazan this week.

The annual BRICS summit witnessed a meeting of heads of state, such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The group hopes to emerge as a strong alternative to the US-led economic system.

Putin praises Trump’s position on Ukraine

At a press conference as the summit neared its end on Thursday evening, Putin was asked about US presidential candidate Donald Trump’s promise to end the fighting in Ukraine.

“What Mr. Trump said recently, and what I heard, [is] Putin spoke of his desire to do everything in his power to end the conflict in Ukraine.