Putin says negotiation process frozen, signals openness to positive contribution

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the negotiation process is currently frozen, but Moscow would welcome positive proposals. He made the remarks at a press conference after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, answering questions from reporters.

Putin stressed that Russia supports any talks that are filled with concrete content. If someone could make a meaningful contribution to the process, Moscow would be in favor. At the same time, he said he would not want the talks to spin in a pointless mode. He added that if anyone is ready to bring something positive into the negotiation process, which is currently frozen, then Russia is generally not against it.

The Kremlin leader said that such efforts require military specialists and diplomats. He separately said that Russia is comfortable working with people close to Donald Trump, specifically mentioning Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Putin described both of them as sincere.

Putin also commented on CIA Director John Ratcliffe's visit to Moscow, saying that contacts between representatives of intelligence agencies happen on a regular basis.