President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that relations between Russia and the United States were beginning to stabilize, attributing the improvement to efforts by US President Donald Trump.

Putin reiterated that he had “great respect” for Trump and was willing to meet him. Although such a meeting would require careful preparation, Putin said it was “quite possible”.

“In general, thanks to President Trump, relations between Russia and the United States are beginning to level out in some ways,” Putin told a press conference in Minsk.

“Not everything has been decided in the sphere of diplomatic relations, but the first steps have been taken and we are moving forward.”