Putin Ready to Restore Relations with Washington

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated the American people on the completion of the presidential elections.

"We have closely followed the campaign. I want to congratulate the American people on the completion of the electoral cycle, and Mr. Donald Trump with his victory," Putin said from the Kremlin.

He added that Moscow is ready to do everything possible to restore relations with Washington on a sustainable development trajectory.

"We have heard campaign statements from US presidential candidates, aimed at the restoration of [bilateral] relations," said the Russian leader, adding that Russia appreciates that "it will be a difficult path."

"This will benefit both the Russian and American people and will have a positive impact on the overall climate in world affairs, considering the special responsibility of Russia and the United States for the maintenance of global stability and security," the Russian President emphasized.

Republican candidate Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States of America on January 20, 2017, taking over from Barack Obama. During the election campaign, Trump repeatedly expressed the desire to improve relations with Russia.

Dimitri Dolaberidze