**Putin Ready to Talk to Trump**
Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Peskov made this announcement on January 24 during a press briefing.
Trump has previously said he wants to meet with Putin “very quickly” after his inauguration. The Kremlin welcomed these comments but added that no preparations are currently underway for the meeting.
“We are ready, we are waiting for signals,” Peskov said. “If there is something, we will inform you.” Moscow is also interested in talks on nuclear disarmament, but only if the arsenals of the U.S.’s allies – the UK and France – are considered as well.
**Russia Ready to Talk Nuclear Disarmament**
Peskov also reacted to Trump’s recent statement that he would ask the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to lower oil prices. The spokesperson opposed this idea, saying the war is not dependent on oil prices and is allegedly taking place because of “the danger to Russia and the Russians.”
**War in Ukraine Continues**
The news comes as Russia’s Defense Ministry reported intercepting 121 Ukrainian drones overnight. Russian attacks against Ukraine killed at least six people and injured at least nine over the past day, regional authorities reported on January 24.
North Korea is reportedly preparing to send more troops to Russia to fuel the war in Ukraine, even after significant losses, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).
**U.S. Support for Ukraine**
The Trump team hopes to quickly begin work on a settlement plan that could be implemented within the first few months of his presidency. A meeting with Putin is part of this plan, according to CNN.
Trump has often voiced sympathies for the Russian leader while criticizing the level of support the previous Biden administration provided to Kyiv. This prompted concerns that the new U.S. leadership might cut a deal unfavorable to Ukraine.
**NATO and Russia**
The removal of flags disrupts Russia’s oil export logistics, forcing tankers to re-register in less reputable jurisdictions and change ownership to avoid detection.
NATO Chief Mark Rutte said on January 23 that Russian President Vladimir Putin has no authority to influence NATO’s future membership decisions.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com