Putin reaches out to Trump

President Vladimir Putin says Russia wants to normalise ties with the United States and join efforts in the fight against international “terrorism”. Speaking in a live state-of-the-nation address, Putin said on Thursday that Russia was ready to take part in tackling global challenges – if its interests are respected. “We don’t want confrontation with anyone,” […]

President Vladimir Putin says Russia wants to normalise ties with the United States and join efforts in the fight against international “terrorism”.

Speaking in a live state-of-the-nation address, Putin said on Thursday that Russia was ready to take part in tackling global challenges – if its interests are respected.

“We don’t want confrontation with anyone,” he said in a speech before officials and lawmakers in the Kremlin.

“Unlike our foreign colleagues who are seeing Russia as an enemy, we have never been looking for enemies – we need friends,” Putin said.

“But we won’t allow any infringement on our interests and neglect of them.”

Russia’s relations with the West have plummeted to a post-Cold War low over the Ukrainian crisis and the war in Syria.