MOSCOW (Sputnik) – On Monday, Putin and Trump held their first phone conversation after the latter’s election victory.
“Our readiness to work the new US administration on the basis of mutual respect of interest was stressed, and our readiness was shared by the US president-elect. The common vision of our bilateral relations, that they could not get worse, was characteristic,” Ushakov said.
Trump May Struggle to Salvage Russia Ties Derailed by Outgoing US Leadership
The current US administration is trying to drive its relations with Russia into a dead end which US President-elect Donald Trump may find hard to escape, Ushakov said.
"As of late, the outgoing team has been doing everything to drive our relations into a dead end from which the new team will find hard to drag these relations out, if it would like to do so," Ushakov told reporters.
Russia hopes that such steps will be taken and is ready to make efforts itself, according to the official.
Putin, Trump Touched Upon Syria, Discussions to Continue With Obama Until January 20
Putin discussed Syria with Trump by phone, but the issue will be discussed with the outgoing US administration until January 20, Ushakov said.
He said the sides also voiced their common desire to join efforts in the fight against terrorism.
Ushakov said "the issue of Ukraine was touched upon only to a small extent."
