Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday that diplomatic relations between Russia and the United States have returned to normal.
“The continuous expulsion of diplomats between Washington and Moscow does not yield any positive results,” Russian state media RIA Novosti quoted Putin as saying.
The Russian leader also expressed interest in holding a meeting with US President Donald Trump, emphasizing that any discussions should be carefully planned to ensure a productive outcome.
Putin’s statement comes just hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Trump of operating within a “Russian disinformation space”, referencing the former president’s past interactions with Kremlin officials.
Zelensky, who has been vocal about Trump’s stance on Ukraine, is scheduled to meet with US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, who arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday.