In a recent statement at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the topic of U.S.-Russia relations in light of the upcoming American presidential election. Putin emphasized that regardless of the election outcome in November, there would be no significant changes in the relationship between the two countries.
During a Q&A session with international journalists, including representatives from The Associated Press, Putin stated that Russia is prepared to collaborate with any president chosen by the American people. This assertion underscores Russia's commitment to maintaining diplomatic ties with the United States, irrespective of political shifts.
The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum serves as a platform for Putin to showcase Russia's economic progress and attract potential investors. While interactions with journalists have been a customary part of the event, Putin's engagement with Western media has been limited since Russia's military involvement in Ukraine.
Notably, in the previous year, journalists from countries considered adversarial by Russia, such as the U.S., the U.K., and the European Union, were excluded from the forum. Additionally, Western officials and investors opted to abstain from the event following the imposition of extensive sanctions on Moscow in connection with the Ukrainian conflict.
