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Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a Russian-language copy of the Bhagavad Gita to President Vladimir Putin during a private dinner in New Delhi, highlighting the scripture’s universal message and cultural significance.

PM Modi presents copy of Gita in Russian to Putin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a Russian-language copy of the Bhagavad Gita to President Vladimir Putin during a private dinner in New Delhi, highlighting the scripture&rsquo;s universal message and cultural significance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said he presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;
"Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world," PM Modi said in a post on X.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world.<a href="https://twitter.com/KremlinRussia_E?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KremlinRussia_E</a> <a href="https://t.co/D2zczJXkU2">pic.twitter.com/D2zczJXkU2</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1996640866468090252?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
PM Modi hosted a private dinner at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence for Putin, who is on a two-day visit to New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly received Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi for a 27-hour visit focused on strengthening defence cooperation.

PM Modi warmly welcomes Putin at Delhi airport; hosts private dinner, reflecting time-tested friendship

Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly received Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi for a 27-hour visit focused on strengthening defence cooperation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday warmly welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin as he kick-started a nearly 27-hour visit to India to further shore up an eight-decade bilateral partnership that remained in firm footing notwithstanding fractious geopolitical upheavals.
In reflection of the importance India attached to the Russian leader's first visit to India in four years, Modi received him at New Delhi's Palam airport with a hug amid a group of artistes performing traditional dances.
From the airport, the two leaders travelled to Modi's official residence in his car, nearly three months after the prime minister rode with Putin in the Russian leader's vehicle in Chinese city of Tianjin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
"Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin to India. Looking forward to our interactions later this evening and tomorrow. India-Russia friendship is a time tested one that has greatly benefited our people," the prime minister said on social media.
In the evening, Modi hosted a private dinner for the Russian president in a reciprocal gesture to the hospitality extended to the prime minister by Putin during his visit to Moscow in July last year. Modi's official residence was decorated with bright lights and flowers on the occasion.
The conversation between the two leaders over the dinner is expected to set the tone for the 23rd India-Russia summit talks on Friday that is expected to produce a number of tangible outcomes to further broadbase the time-tested relationship.
Boosting defence ties, insulating India-Russia trade from external pressure and exploring cooperation in small modular reactors are set to be the focus of the summit between the two leaders that is expected to be closely watched by Western capitals.
The Russian leader's visit to New Delhi has assumed greater significance as it is taking place against the backdrop of rapid downturn in India-US relations.
Following the summit, the two sides are expected to seal several agreements including in areas of trade.
On Friday, Putin will be accorded a ceremonial welcome and a tri-services guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan, before he goes to Raj Ghat to pay homage at the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
It will be followed by talks between the two leaders in a restricted format and with their delegations at Hyderabad House, the venue for the summit.
Modi and Putin will also attend a business event jointly organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Roscongress at Bharat Mandapam.
In the evening, Putin will attend a state banquet to be hosted in his honour by President Droupadi Murmu. The Russian leader is expected to leave India at around 9 pm on Friday.
In the summit talks, New Delhi is expected to press for addressing the increasing trade deficit caused by India's procurement of large volumes of Russian crude oil.
The Russian president's trip to India is taking place at a time when India-US relations are going through possibly the worst phase in the last two decades after Washington imposed a whopping 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, including 25 per cent levies for New Delhi's procurement of Russian crude oil.
The impact of American sanctions on India's procurement of Russian crude oil is likely to be discussed at the summit. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday said New Delhi's purchase of crude oil from Russia may decline for "a brief period" in view of Western sanctions, but, at the same time, he said Moscow is taking steps to enhance the supplies.
At the summit, Putin is expected to apprise Modi about the latest US efforts to bring an end to the Ukraine conflict. India has been consistently maintaining that dialogue and diplomacy is the only way forward to end the war.
Following the Modi-Putin talks, the two sides are expected to ink a plethora of agreements, including one on facilitating the movement of Indian workers to Russia, and another on logistical support under a broader framework of defence cooperation.
It is learnt that under the trade basket, Indian exports to Russia are expected to significantly increase in areas of pharma, agriculture, food products and consumer goods.
The move comes amid concerns in New Delhi over a ballooning trade deficit in favour of Russia.
India's annual procurement of goods and services from Russia amounts to around USD 65 billion, while Russia's imports from India stand at around USD 5 billion. Officials said India is also looking at boosting cooperation in the fertiliser sector. Russia supplies three to four million tonnes of fertilisers to India annually.
The Indian and Russian sides are also likely to discuss New Delhi's proposed free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.
Ahead of the summit, the defence ministers of the two countries held wide-ranging talks on Thursday with a focus on India's plan to procure additional batches of S-400 missile systems and other critical military hardware from Russia.
The S-400 missile systems proved to be very effective during Operation Sindoor.
In October 2018, India signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems, notwithstanding a warning by the US that going ahead with the contract may invite US sanctions under the provisions of Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
Peskov said there may be a discussion on the possibility of Russia supplying Su-57 fighter jets to India. India is in the process of procuring a batch of fifth-generation fighter jets.
Dassault Aviation's Rafale, Lockheed Martin's F-21, Boeing's F/A-18 and the Eurofighter Typhoon are the main contenders.
Ways to bolster bilateral energy ties are also expected to figure prominently in the summit.
It is learnt that Russia has offered India additional discounts for its procurement of crude oil.
The offer came after the volume of India's purchase of Russian crude oil registered a decline in the last few weeks following the latest wave of US sanctions on two Russian oil producers.
India and Russia have a mechanism under which India's prime minister and the Russian president hold a summit meeting annually to review the entire gamut of ties. So far, 22 annual summit meetings have taken place alternatively in India and Russia. The Russian president had last visited New Delhi in 2021.
In July last year, Modi travelled to Moscow for the annual summit.
Russia has been a time-tested partner for India and a key pillar of New Delhi's foreign policy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin affirms that India-Russia cooperation is solely focused on protecting mutual national interests, rejects US pressure over energy ties, and highlights deep trust in defence and trade partnerships.

Russian President Putin says India, Russia collaboration not directed against anyone

Russian President Vladimir Putin affirms that India-Russia cooperation is solely focused on protecting mutual national interests, rejects US pressure over energy ties, and highlights deep trust in defence and trade partnerships.

The India-Russia collaboration is not directed against any country and it is solely aimed at safeguarding the national interests of the two sides, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said against the backdrop of Washington's aggressive approach towards New Delhi and Moscow.
In the context of India's energy ties with Russia, Putin said certain "actors" dislike New Delhi's growing role in international markets in view of its close relations with Moscow and these elements are aiming to constrain India's influence for political reasons by imposing "artificial obstacles".
In an interview to India Today news channel that was released on Thursday evening, the Russian president, referring to Western sanctions against Moscow, said his country's energy cooperation with New Delhi largely "remains unaffected".
Putin landed in New Delhi this evening on a two-day visit to hold summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His trip comes at a time India-US relations are going through possibly the worst phase in the last two decades after Washington imposed a whopping 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, including 25 per cent levies for New Delhi's procurement of Russian crude oil.
"Neither me nor Prime Minister Modi, despite certain external pressure we face, have never approached our collaboration to work against someone," the Russian president said in response to a question on Washington's aggressive approach.
"President Trump has his own agenda, his own goals, whereas we focus on ours -- not against anyone, but rather aimed at safeguarding our respective interests, India's and Russia's interests," he said.
Rejecting Washington's objection to India procuring crude oil from Russia, Putin said if the US has the right to buy Russian fuel, why "shouldn't India have the same privilege".
"As for India's purchase of energy resources from Russia, I would like to note and have already mentioned this once, the US itself still buys nuclear fuel from us for its own nuclear power plants," Putin said.
The Russian president also responded to a question on India lowering procurement of crude oil from Russia in view of Western sanctions on Moscow.
"Well, there is a certain decline in overall trade turnover during the first nine months of this year. This is just a minor adjustment. Overall, our trade turnover stands almost at the same level as before," he said.
"I can't give you exact monthly figures right now, but trade in petroleum products and crude oil, as well as the production of petroleum products for consumers of oil, Russian oil, is running smoothly in India," he said.
Putin also said that India cannot be treated the way it was several decades back.
"Prime Minister Modi is not someone who succumbs to pressure easily. The Indian people can certainly take pride in their leader. This is absolutely obvious," he said.
"His stance is unwavering and straightforward, without being confrontational. Our goal is not to provoke conflict; rather, we aim to protect our lawful rights. India does the same," he said.
On the Ukraine conflict, Putin said he believed the US is actively seeking a solution to this problem.
"I am absolutely certain, with no doubt at all, he (Trump) sincerely aims for a peaceful resolution."
Putin said Trump genuinely wants to end the hostilities and prevent further loss of lives.
"But there could also be political interests tied to ending the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine, or economic motives too."
On bilateral trade, Putin said over 90 per cent of "our transactions are already conducted in national currencies".
"While some complications arise due to the presence of numerous intermediaries, there are also solutions," he said.
The Russian president also complimented PM Modi's leadership.
"Our collaborative endeavours with Prime Minister Modi carry significant weight because they transcend our mutual ties," he said.
"Given its direct relevance to both nations, ensuring stability in key areas of engagement is crucial, as it helps secure the fulfilment of our objectives. Prime Minister Modi sets very challenging tasks for the country --and for himself in the first place, then for the administration, and eventually for the nation," he said.
The Russian president did not give a direct reply to a question on if India was looking at procuring additional batches of S-400 missile systems.
"India stands out as one of our reliable and privileged partners in this area. We are not merely selling something to India and India isn't merely buying something from us in the sphere of defence and security.
"It is a different level, a different quality of relations we have with India, and we value this. We see how India values this relationship too," he said.
Putin said Russia is not simply selling defence technology to India but it is sharing it with the country.
"It is a very rare thing to see in the sphere of military-technical cooperation. It speaks to the level of trust between the two countries and the level of trust between the two peoples.
"We have a broad portfolio indeed, including naval construction, rocket and missile engineering, and aircraft engineering," he added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit New Delhi for a two-day summit with PM Modi, aimed at boosting defence ties, addressing trade deficits, and expanding cooperation amid US sanctions.

PM Modi to host Putin in Delhi as India-Russia summit focuses on trade, defence, and US sanctions

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit New Delhi for a two-day summit with PM Modi, aimed at boosting defence ties, addressing trade deficits, and expanding cooperation amid US sanctions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a private dinner for Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, hours after he lands in New Delhi to further expand a nearly eight-decade partnership that has remained steadfast notwithstanding fractious geopolitical environment and tensions.
Boosting defence ties, insulating India-Russia trade from external pressure and exploring cooperation in small modular reactors are set to be the focus of the summit meeting between Modi and Putin on Friday that is expected to be closely watched by Western capitals.
The Russian leader's nearly 27-hour visit to New Delhi has assumed greater significance as it is taking place against the backdrop of rapid downturn in India-US relations. Following the 23rd India-Russia summit, the two sides are expected to seal several agreements, including in areas of trade.
As the Russian leader is visiting India amid renewed American push to end the war in Ukraine, the issue is likely to figure prominently at the summit.
The Russian president is likely to arrive in New Delhi at around 6:35 pm on Thursday, and hours later, Modi will host him for a private dinner in reciprocation of a similar gesture extended to the Indian prime minister by the Russian leader during his visit to Moscow in July last year.
On Friday, Putin will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan before the 23rd India-Russia summit. Modi will also host a working lunch for the Russian leader and his delegation at Hyderabad House, the venue for the summit. Putin will also visit Rajghat in the morning, according to people familiar with the matter.
After the summit, Putin is set to launch the new India channel of Russian state-run broadcaster, following which he will attend a state banquet to be hosted in his honour by President Droupadi Murmu. The Russian leader is expected to leave India at around 9 pm on Friday.
In the summit talks, New Delhi is expected to press for addressing the increasing trade deficit caused by India's procurement of large volumes of Russian crude oil.
The Russian president's trip to India is taking place at a time when India-US relations are going through possibly the worst phase in the last two decades after Washington imposed a whopping 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, including 25 per cent levies for New Delhi's procurement of Russian crude oil.
The impact of American sanctions on India's procurement of Russian crude oil is likely to be discussed at the summit. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday said New Delhi's purchase of crude oil from Russia may decline for "a brief period" in view of Western sanctions, but, at the same time, he said Moscow is taking steps to enhance the supplies.
At the summit, Putin is expected to apprise Modi about the latest US efforts to bring an end to the Ukraine conflict. India has been consistently maintaining that dialogue and diplomacy is the only way forward to end the war.
Following the Modi-Putin talks, the two sides are expected to ink a plethora of agreements, including one on facilitating the movement of Indian workers to Russia, and another on logistical support under a broader framework of defence cooperation.
It is learnt that under the trade basket, Indian exports to Russia are expected to significantly increase in areas of pharma, agriculture, food products and consumer goods. The move comes amid concerns in New Delhi over a ballooning trade deficit in favour of Russia.
India's annual procurement of goods and services from Russia amounts to around USD 65 billion, while Russia's imports from India stand at around USD 5 billion. Officials said India is also looking at boosting cooperation in the fertiliser sector. Russia supplies three to four million tonnes of fertilisers to India annually.
The Indian and Russian sides are also likely to discuss New Delhi's proposed free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.
Ahead of the summit, the defence ministers of the two countries will hold wide-ranging talks on Thursday that are likely to focus on India's plan to procure additional batches of S-400 missile systems and other critical military hardware from Russia.
The S-400 missile systems proved to be very effective during Operation Sindoor. Top military officials said the overall focus will be to further expand the already close defence and security ties between the two countries, with a particular focus on ensuring expeditious supply of military hardware from Russia to India.
In October 2018, India signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems, notwithstanding a warning by the US that going ahead with the contract may invite US sanctions under the provisions of Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
Peskov said there may be a discussion on the possibility of Russia supplying Su-57 fighter jets to India. India is in the process of procuring a batch of fifth-generation fighter jets. Dassault Aviation's Rafale, Lockheed Martin's F-21, Boeing's F/A-18 and the Eurofighter Typhoon are the main contenders.
Ways to bolster bilateral energy ties are also expected to figure prominently in the summit. It is learnt that Russia has offered India additional discounts for its procurement of crude oil.
The offer came after the volume of India's purchase of Russian crude oil registered a decline in the last few weeks following the latest wave of US sanctions on two Russian oil producers.
India and Russia have a mechanism under which India's prime minister and the Russian president hold a summit meeting annually to review the entire gamut of ties. So far, 22 annual summit meetings have taken place alternatively in India and Russia. The Russian president had last visited New Delhi in 2021.
In July last year, PM Modi travelled to Moscow for the annual summit. Russia has been a time-tested partner for India and a key pillar of New Delhi's foreign policy.

Delhi Police have enforced a multi-layered security grid for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit, deploying over 5,000 personnel, anti-drone systems, snipers, and SWAT teams.

Security Tightened in Delhi for Putin's Visit

Putin's Visit to Delhi: Security Enhanced

Delhi Police have enforced a multi-layered security grid for Russian President Vladimir Putin&rsquo;s two-day visit, deploying over 5,000 personnel, anti-drone systems, snipers, and SWAT teams.

The national capital is on high alert on Thursday, as a multi-layered security grid has been enforced for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is landing in Delhi in the evening for his two-day visit to India.&nbsp;
The exact location of his stay remains undisclosed due to strict security norms, police said. Senior police officers said that from Putin's arrival to his departure, every movement will be tracked by multiple security units operating jointly.&nbsp;
"Minute-to-minute coordination is underway, and all concerned agencies have been instructed to maintain maximum vigilance throughout. Over 5,000 police personnel will be deployed to maintain strict vigil," the officer said.&nbsp;
Top-ranking Delhi Police officers are supervising route security, traffic arrangements and area sanitisation around locations likely to feature in the Russian president's schedule.&nbsp;
"All routes mapped for VVIP movement have been secured in advance. Traffic advisories will be issued from time to time to minimise inconvenience to commuters. Anti-drone systems will be in place," another official said.&nbsp;
Delhi Police, central agencies and Putin's personal security detail have formed a multi-layered security grid with SWAT teams, anti-terror units, snipers and quick-reaction teams stationed at sensitive points.&nbsp;
Additionally, high-definition CCTV networks and technical monitoring systems have been activated across zones associated with the visit.&nbsp;
Traffic restrictions and controlled pedestrian movement are expected around key areas, though officials said alerts will be issued in advance to avoid major disruptions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India from December 4–5 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit.

Russian President Putin to visit India in December for 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India from December 4&ndash;5 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 23rd India&ndash;Russia Annual Summit.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will undertake a two-day visit to India from December 4 to hold annual summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi that is expected to produce significant outcomes to further solidify the bilateral strategic ties.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), announcing the visit, said on Friday that it will set the vision for strengthening the India-Russia 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership'.
"At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin will pay a State visit to India from December 4 to 5 for the 23rd India-Russia annual summit," it said.
President Droupadi Murmu will also receive Putin and host a banquet in his honour.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6929524a71120_1764315722.jpg" width="450" height="645">
"The forthcoming State visit will provide an opportunity for the leadership of India and Russia to review progress in bilateral relations, set the vision for strengthening the 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership' and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest," the MEA said in a brief statement.
The focus of the Modi-Putin talks are expected to focus on deepening cooperation in areas of defence and security, trade and civil nuclear energy.
The Ukraine conflict is also likely to figure prominently in the talks.
India is looking at procuring additional batches of S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia as the weapons proved to be very effective during the Operation Sindoor. It is learnt that the proposed procurement may figure in the talks between the two sides.
India and Russia have a mechanism under which India's prime minister and the Russian president hold a summit meeting annually to review the entire gamut of ties.
So far 22 annual summit meetings have taken place alternatively in India and Russia.
The upcoming summit is expected to produce significant outcomes to further solidify bilateral strategic ties, people familiar with the matter said.
The Russian president had last visited New Delhi in 2021. In July last year, PM Modi travelled to Moscow for the annual summit.
Russia has been a time-tested partner for India and the country has been a key pillar of New Delhi's foreign policy.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, updates him on preparations for the upcoming India-Russia annual summit.

Jaishankar meets President Putin, briefs him on preparations for annual summit

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, updates him on preparations for the upcoming India-Russia annual summit.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday met Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin and apprised him of preparations underway for the upcoming annual India-Russia summit.
Putin shook hands with Jaishankar, receiving him in the Representative Office of the Senate Palace in the Kremlin, state-run TASS news agency reported.
"Honoured to call on President Putin of Russia in Moscow today. Conveyed greetings of Prime Minister @narendramodi," Jaishankar said on social media.
"Apprised him of preparations underway for the upcoming Annual India Russia Summit. Also discussed regional and global developments. Deeply value his perspectives and guidance on further advancement of our ties," the minister added.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Honoured to call on President Putin of Russia in Moscow today. Conveyed greetings of Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>. Apprised him of preparations underway for the upcoming Annual India Russia Summit. Also discussed regional and global developments. Deeply value his&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/2cUdIQVrrj">pic.twitter.com/2cUdIQVrrj</a>
&mdash; Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1990824200186290273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The visuals released by the Kremlin showed Putin welcoming Jaishankar, who was accompanied by Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar and Joint Secretary Mayank Singh.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Maxim Oreshkin, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov and Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko.
The meeting comes ahead of Putin's planned year-end visit to India.
The Russian president is expected to visit India around December 5 to hold annual summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
On Monday, Jaishankar held extensive talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. The meeting comes as the two sides prepare for President Putin's visit to India for the 23rd annual summit.
Earlier, Jaishankar called on President Putin along with other heads of delegation of the SCO member states.
President Putin sat down with Jaishankar after meeting with representatives of all the SCO countries.
The earlier meeting was also attended by Russian PM Mikhail Mishustin, Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, Prime Ministers Alexander Turchin of Belarus, Oljas Bektenov of Kazakhstan, Adylbek Kasymaliyev of Kyrgyzstan, Kokhir Rasulzoda of Tajikistan and Abdulla Aripov of Uzbekistan, as well as Pakistan Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev.
On the sidelines of the SCO, Jaishankar also met Mongolia's Prime Minister Gombojavyn Zandanshatar and Qatari PM/FM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
He also thanked Russian PM Mishustin for hosting the SCO Heads of Government meeting and appreciated his hospitality.

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised PM Modi as a “balanced, wise leader,” reaffirmed Russia-India’s special ties, and proposed steps to address trade imbalance ahead of his December India visit.

Putin orders government to soften trade imbalance with India

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised PM Modi as a &ldquo;balanced, wise leader,&rdquo; reaffirmed Russia-India&rsquo;s special ties, and proposed steps to address trade imbalance ahead of his December India visit.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered to devise measures, including buying more agricultural products and medicines from India, to soften the trade imbalance with India due to heavy crude import by New Delhi.
Putin's announcement comes weeks ahead of his visit to India in early December for an annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Russian president was speaking at the international Valdai discussion forum of security and geopolitical experts from 140 countries, including from India, at the Black Sea resort of Sochi in South Russia late Thursday evening.
&ldquo;The losses faced by India due to punitive US tariffs would be balanced by crude imports from Russia, plus it will gain prestige as a sovereign nation,&rdquo; Putin said.
He was referring to the additional 25 per cent tariff imposed by President Donald Trump on New Delhi as a penalty for its purchases of Russian oil, taking the total levies imposed on India by the US to 50 per cent.
Putin said that to remove the trade imbalance, Russia may buy more agricultural products and medicines from India. &ldquo;More agricultural products may be purchased from India. Certain steps can be undertaken from our side for medicinal products, pharmaceuticals,&rdquo; Putin stated.
The president said he had instructed the Russian government to think of proposals to be made to &ldquo;Indian friends and counterparts on the most promising areas of cooperation and how Russia can smoothen the imbalance in trade and other areas,&rdquo; according to state-run news agency TASS.
Putin noted the vast potential for economic cooperation between Russia and India but acknowledged the need to resolve specific issues to fully unlock these opportunities.
For comparison, he said, the trade turnover between Russia and India is about USD 63 billion, and USD 50 billion with Belarus. &ldquo;At the same time, the population is 1.5 billion in India and 10 million in Belarus. It obviously does not correspond to our potential opportunities,&rdquo; Putin stressed.
&ldquo;We need to solve the whole range of tasks to unlock our opportunities and potential advantages,&rdquo; Putin said, identifying financing, logistics and payment bottlenecks as key concerns.
Putin also underlined that Russia had &ldquo;never had any problems or interstate tensions with India. Never,&rdquo; and noted that both the countries always took actions keeping in view the respective sensitivities.
He highlighted the &ldquo;special&rdquo; nature of Russia-India relations since the days of the Soviet Union, when India was fighting for its independence. &ldquo;In India, they remember this, they know it, and they value it. We appreciate that India has not forgotten it,&rdquo; he said.
He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his &ldquo;friend,&rdquo; noting that he feels comfortable in their trustworthy interactions.
Putin lauded India's nationalist government led by Modi, calling him a &ldquo;balanced, wise,&rdquo; and &ldquo;nationally oriented&rdquo; leader.
He remarked, &ldquo;Everyone in India knows this well,&rdquo; particularly regarding India's decision to ignore US pressure to halt oil imports from Russia.
Putin also recalled that the declaration of a special strategic privileged partnership between Russia and India will soon celebrate its 15th anniversary, and asserted, &ldquo;That's what it really is.&rdquo; He noted that, in their political relations, Russia and India almost always coordinate their actions.
&ldquo;We always hear and take into account the positions of our countries on various key issues. Our foreign ministries work very closely together,&rdquo; Putin said.
Additionally, he welcomed the idea of a joint fund to develop AI and other cutting-edge technology proposed by Dr Arvind Gupta, Director General of New Delhi-based Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), who was attending the Sochi forum.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the Ukraine conflict at the SCO summit in China, stressing humanity’s call for peace and highlighting India-Russia ties.

Modi-Putin Talks: Strengthening India-Russia Ties Amid USA Tensions

Modi-Putin Talks Amidst Strains with USA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the Ukraine conflict at the SCO summit in China, stressing humanity&rsquo;s call for peace and highlighting India-Russia ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday conveyed to Russian President Vladimir Putin that it is humanity's call to end the Ukraine conflict as soon as possible.
Modi and Putin held talks on the margins of the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in this Chinese port city.
We welcome all recent efforts to bring peace to Ukraine and hope that all the relevant sides will move forward "constructively", Modi said in his televised opening remarks.
The call of humanity is to end the conflict as soon as possible and find ways to bring permanent peace to the region, he said.
Modi also said that India is waiting to receive the Russian leader.
Putin is set to travel to India in December for summit talks with Modi.
India and Russia always moved forward shoulder-to-shoulder even in difficult times, Modi said.
He said close relations between India and Russia are significant for global peace, stability and prosperity.

The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit began in Tianjin with leaders including PM Modi, Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin. The meeting focuses on future strategies, regional peace, and global cooperation.

PM Modi attends SCO summit in Tianjin

The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit began in Tianjin with leaders including PM Modi, Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin. The meeting focuses on future strategies, regional peace, and global cooperation.

The summit meeting of the Heads of State of the 10-member Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) began in Tianjin on Monday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with other leaders of the organisation began a day-long deliberation to chalk out the future course of the bloc.&nbsp;
Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed the leaders.&nbsp;
The 25th summit was formally kicked off here on Sunday night with a massive banquet hosted by Xi .&nbsp;
It was attended, among others, by Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This year's summit was stated to be the largest of the SCO group as China, which holds the Presidency of the organisation this year, has invited 20 foreign leaders and 10 heads of international organisations, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to attend the SCO Plus summit.
On Monday the leaders address the meeting enunciating their future vision for the organisation.
Modi's speech is being keenly watched for its content in the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's tariff war and the Indian prime minister's meeting with Xi on Sunday, which was widely expected to provide a new roadmap for the ties.
In his welcome banquet address, Xi said the SCO bears greater responsibilities in safeguarding regional peace and stability, and boosting the development of various countries in a world of increasing uncertainties and accelerated changes.
Addressing the banquet, Xi expressed confidence that with concerted efforts of all parties, the summit will be a complete success, and that the SCO is certain to play an even bigger role and achieve more progress. He said it will make a greater contribution to boosting the unity and cooperation among member states, pooling the strength of the Global South and pushing for more progress of human civilisation.
Founded in Shanghai in June 2001, the SCO has expanded from six founding members into a 26-nation family of 10 members, two observers and 14 dialogue partners spanning Asia, Europe and Africa.
With major emerging markets and developing countries such as China, Russia and India among its members, the SCO represents nearly half of the world's population and a quarter of the global economy.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, joined by top European leaders, meets US President Trump to press for strong security guarantees against Russia.

Zelenskyy, European Leaders Seek Unity with Trump Against Russia

Zelenskyy, EU Leaders Seek Unity with Trump

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, joined by top European leaders, meets US President Trump to press for strong security guarantees against Russia.

Ukraine's future could hinge on a hastily assembled meeting Monday at the White House as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy brings with him an extraordinary cadre of European leaders to show US President Donald Trump a united front against Russia.
The European political heavy-hitters were left out of Trump's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin last Friday, and they look to safeguard Ukraine and the continent from any widening aggression from Moscow.
By arriving as a group, they hope to avoid any debacles like Zelenskyy's February meeting in the Oval Office, where Trump chastised him for not showing enough gratitude for American military aid.
The meeting also is a test of America's relationship with its closest allies after the European Union and United Kingdom accepted Trump's tariff hikes partly because they wanted his support on Ukraine.
Monday's showing is a sign both of the progress and the possible distress coming out of the Alaska meeting as many of Europe's leaders are descending on Washington with the explicit goal of protecting Ukraine's interests, a rare and sweeping show of diplomatic force.
&ldquo;It's important that America agrees to work with Europe to provide security guarantees for Ukraine, and therefore for all of Europe,&rdquo; Zelenskyy said on X.
The night before the meeting, however, Trump seemed to put the onus on Zelenskyy to agree to concessions and suggested that Ukraine could not regain Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, setting off an armed conflict that led to its broader 2022 invasion.
"President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight," he wrote Sunday night on social media. &ldquo;Remember how it started. No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!&rdquo; Zelenskyy appeared to respond with his own post late Sunday, saying, &ldquo;We all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably.&rdquo; He went on to say that &ldquo;peace must be lasting,&rdquo; not as it was after Russia seized Crimea and part of the Donbas in eastern Ukraine eight years ago, and &ldquo;Putin simply used it as a springboard for a new attack.&rdquo; The sitdown in Alaska yielded the possible contours for stopping the war in Ukraine, though it was unclear whether the terms discussed would ultimately be acceptable to Zelenskyy or Putin.
The European heavyweights coming to Washington Planning to join Zelenskyy in America's capital are European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
On the table for discussion are possible NATO-like security guarantees that Ukraine would need for any peace with Russia to be durable. Putin opposes Ukraine joining NATO outright, yet Trump's team claims the Russian leader is open to allies agreeing to defend Ukraine if it comes under attack.
Trump briefed Zelenskyy and European allies shortly after the Putin meeting, and details from the discussions emerged in a scattershot way that seemed to rankle the US president, who had chosen not to outline any terms when appearing afterward with Putin.
&ldquo;BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA,&rdquo; Trump posted Sunday on social media. The president also bemoaned media coverage of his summit with Putin and said on Truth Social: "I had a great meeting in Alaska." Following the Alaska summit, Trump declared that a ceasefire was not necessary for peace talks to proceed, a sudden shift to a position favoured by Putin.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday that a ceasefire was still possible but that &ldquo;the best way to end this conflict is through a full peace deal." The issues on the table for the European allies European officials confirmed that Trump told them Putin is still seeking control of the entire Donbas region, even though Ukraine controls a meaningful share of it.
And Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said the US and its allies could offer Ukraine a NATO-like commitment to defend the country if it came under attack as the possible security guarantee.
"How that's constructed, what we call it, how it's built, what guarantees are built into it that are enforceable, that's what we'll be talking about over the next few days with our partners who are coming in from overseas,&rdquo; Rubio told NBC's &ldquo;Meet the Press.&rdquo; Rubio said on Fox News' &ldquo;Sunday Morning Futures&rdquo; that such a commitment &ldquo;would be a very big move" by Trump. He expects the delegations will &ldquo;spend six, seven hours talking about these things, maybe more, and try to get to a point where we have something more concrete.&rdquo; Monday's meeting will likely be very tough for Zelenskyy, an official close to the ongoing talks said. That official spoke on condition of anonymity to speak openly about thinking within Ukraine and between allies.
Zelenskyy needs to prevent a scenario in which he gets blamed for blocking peace talks by rejecting Putin's maximalist demand on the Donbas, the official said. It is a demand Zelenskyy has said many times he will never accept because it is unconstitutional and could create a launching pad for future Russian attacks.
If confronted with pressure to accept Putin's demands, Zelenskyy would likely have to revert to a skill he has demonstrated time and again: diplomatic tact.
Ukrainian leadership is seeking a trilateral meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump and Putin to discuss sensitive matters, including territorial issues.
Zelenskyy is looking to avoid another Oval Office blowup After enduring a public tirade by Trump and Vice President JD Vance in February, Zelenskyy worked to repair relations with the US.
Constant diplomatic communication and a 15-minute meeting at the Vatican in April on the sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral helped turn the tide. Trump appeared at the time to be swayed by Zelenskyy's conditions for peace.
But Trump says he cares primarily about ending the war, an ambition that led him after his meeting with Putin to discard the need for a ceasefire.
European allies also have worked with Trump, reaching a deal in July for NATO allies to buy weapons from the US for Ukraine.
Ahead of Monday's meeting, France's Macron stressed the importance of building up Ukraine's military and the need to show Putin that Europe interprets his moves as a threat to other nations.
&ldquo;If we are weak with Russia today, we'll be preparing the conflicts of tomorrow and they will impact the Ukrainians and &mdash; make no mistake &mdash; they can impact us, too,&rdquo; Macron said.

Kremlin confirms upcoming meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. The two sides have agreed on a venue, marking their first talks since Trump’s return.

Putin and Trump to Meet Amidst Ongoing Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Putin-Trump Meeting Scheduled Amidst Conflict

Kremlin confirms upcoming meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. The two sides have agreed on a venue, marking their first talks since Trump&rsquo;s return.

The Kremlin said Thursday that a meeting in the coming days between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump has been agreed on.
Putin's foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov said the two sides are working on setting it up, and that a venue for the meeting has been agreed on and will be announced later.
A meeting between Putin and Trump would be their first since Trump returned to office this year. It would be a significant milestone in the more than 3-year-old war, though there's no promise such a meeting would lead to the end of the fighting, since Russia and Ukraine remain far apart on their demands.

In a nearly hour-long call, Vladimir Putin told Donald Trump that Russia will not give up on its objectives in Ukraine, despite stalled peace talks and US weapons shipment delays to Kyiv.

Putin told Trump will not 'give up' aims in Ukraine: Kremlin

In a nearly hour-long call, Vladimir Putin told Donald Trump that Russia will not give up on its objectives in Ukraine, despite stalled peace talks and US weapons shipment delays to Kyiv.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin told US President Donald Trump by telephone on Thursday that Moscow will not "give up" on its aims in Ukraine, the Kremlin said.
The pair spoke as US-led peace talks on ending the more than three-year-old conflict in Ukraine have stalled and after Washington paused some weapons shipments to Kyiv.
The Kremlin said the call lasted almost an hour.
Trump has been frustrated with both Moscow and Kyiv as US efforts to end fighting have yielded no breakthrough.
"Our president said that Russia will achieve the aims it set, that is to say the elimination of the root causes that led to the current state of affairs," Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters.
"Russia will not give up on these aims."
Moscow has long described its maximalist aims in Ukraine as getting rid of the "root causes" of the conflict, demanding that Kyiv give up its NATO ambitions.
Moscow's offensive in Ukraine has killed hundreds of thousands of people and Russia now controls large swathes of eastern and southern Ukraine.
Even so, Putin told Trump that Moscow would continue to take part in negotiations.
"He also spoke of the readiness of the Russian side to continue the negotiation process," Ushakov added.
"Vladimir Putin said that we are continuing to look for a political, negotiated solution to the conflict," Ushakov said.
Moscow has for months refused to agree to a US-proposed ceasefire in Ukraine.
Kyiv and its Western allies have accused Putin of dragging out the process while pushing on with Russia's advance in Ukraine.
The Kremlin said that Putin had also "stressed" to Trump that all conflicts in the Middle East should be solved "diplomatically", after the US struck nuclear sites in Russia's ally Iran.
 - Zelensky in Denmark -
Putin and Trump spoke as Kyiv said that Russian strikes on Thursday killed at least eight people in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was visiting ally Denmark on Thursday.
A senior Ukrainian official told AFP that Trump and Zelensky planned to speak to each other on Friday.
The US deciding to pause some weapons shipments has severely hampered Kyiv, which has been reliant on Western military support since Moscow launched its offensive in 2022.
Zelensky told EU allies in Denmark that doubts over US military aid reinforced the need for greater cooperation with Brussels and NATO.
He stressed again that Kyiv had always supported Trump's "unconditional ceasefire".
On Wednesday, Kyiv scrambled to clarify with the US what a White House announcement on pausing some weapons shipments meant.
"Continued American support for Ukraine, for our defence, for our people is in our common interest," Zelensky had said on Wednesday.
Russia has consistently called for Western countries to stop sending weapons to Kyiv.

Putin condemns the Pahalgam terror attack, pledging support for India's anti-terrorism efforts. In a call with Modi, both leaders discussed holding perpetrators accountable and enhancing the Indo-Russian Strategic Partnership.

Putin Backs India: Condemns Pahalgam Attack

In a call, Putin condemned the Pahalgam attack, pledging support to India's fight against terrorism. He expressed condolences and emphasized accountability. Both leaders reinforced their strategic partnership and collaboration against terrorism.

Putin condemns the Pahalgam attack, calls PM Modi directly

In a call with PM Modi, Putin condemned the Pahalgam attack and pledged support in India's fight against terrorism. They discussed accountability for the perpetrators and strengthening their strategic partnership. Modi invited Putin to India's annual summit.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a phone conversation that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror strike must be brought to justice as he strongly condemned the horrific attack.
Putin also told Modi that Russia fully supports India's fight against terrorism, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
"President Putin @KremlinRussia_E called PM @narendramodi and strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, India," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a social media post.
"He conveyed deepest condolences on the loss of innocent lives and expressed full support to India in the fight against terrorism," Jaiswal added.
"He emphasised that the perpetrators of the heinous attack and their supporters must be brought to justice," he said.
The MEA spokesperson said Modi and Putin reiterated their commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
The prime minister conveyed his greetings to the Russian president on the celebration of the 80th anniversary of 'Victory Day.'
Modi also invited Putin for the India-Russia annual summit to be held in India later in the year.

Russia and India are set to enhance strategic ties with Putin's upcoming visit. Discussions will focus on bilateral trade expansion and the new economic roadmap for 2030.

Putin Visit to Elevate Russia-India Relations

Putin's upcoming visit to India aims to elevate Russia-India strategic ties. Discussions include trade boost, economic plans, and partnership renewal.

Russia and India are set to enhance strategic ties with Putin's upcoming visit

Russia and India are enhancing their strategic alliance as Putin plans an official visit to India. Major topics include a new economic roadmap and bilateral trade expansion.

Russia and India are poised to elevate their bilateral relationship to unprecedented levels, as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares for an official visit to India.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced the impending visit during a televised address, highlighting the meticulous preparations underway for this significant diplomatic engagement.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi prioritized Russia for his first international visit after securing his third consecutive term. Now, it is our turn to reciprocate," Lavrov remarked, underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations.
While the precise date of President Putin's visit remains unspecified, Lavrov confirmed that arrangements are actively being made.
During Prime Minister Modi's visit to Russia last year, an invitation was extended to President Putin for an official state visit to India, which the Russian leader accepted.
Lavrov reiterated this development during a conference titled "Russia and India: Toward a New Bilateral Agenda," organized by the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC).
This forthcoming visit marks President Putin's first trip to India since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February 2022. Central to the visit will be discussions on President Putin's "new economic roadmap" for 2030.
A key objective for both nations is to double their bilateral trade to exceed $100 billion annually, up from the current level of approximately $60 billion.
India and Russia are also focusing on expanding trade routes, including the vital Chennai-Vladivostok maritime trade corridor, which will facilitate increased supply exchanges.&nbsp;
Earlier this week, Lavrov confirmed Russia's aspiration to redefine its partnership with India, envisioning a "special and privileged strategic partnership."
In a message to Indian President Droupadi Murmu, President Putin emphasized the foundational strength of Russia-India relations and expressed confidence in enhancing cooperative efforts across various sectors.
He stated, "These efforts align with our aim to establish a fair, multi-polar international order, benefiting the fundamental interests of our friendly peoples."&nbsp;
This engagement signals a renewed commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation amid a dynamically evolving global landscape.

A Kremlin advisor criticized a US-Ukraine ceasefire proposal, calling it temporary and inadequate. The proposal aims to halt a three-year conflict.

Kremlin Rebukes US-Ukraine Ceasefire Proposal

A Kremlin advisor condemned the US-Ukraine ceasefire proposal, arguing it offers only a temporary solution without addressing Russia’s legitimate interests.

Ceasefire helps Ukraine, Putin aide criticises

A top Kremlin aide dismissed a US-proposed US-Ukraine ceasefire as temporary and superficial, stressing unmet Russian interests.

In a statement released Friday, a key aide to the Kremlin criticized the proposed ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, suggesting it would merely serve as a temporary reprieve for Ukrainian forces.
Yuri Ushakov, speaking to state media following a phone conversation with US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, dismissed the initiative as inadequate.
According to Ushakov, the ceasefire would only function as a "temporary breather for the Ukrainian military."
He indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to provide a more detailed response to the proposal on Thursday.
Ushakov emphasized Russia's pursuit of a "long-term peaceful solution" that accommodates its "legitimate interests."
He noted that any measures perceived as superficial peace efforts were unnecessary under the current circumstances.
The remarks came in response to US negotiators' visit to Russia on Thursday, where they presented a plan advocating for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine.
The proposal is part of Washington's efforts to secure an "unconditional" halt to the three-year conflict, which continues to strain international relations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready for talks with US President Donald Trump regarding the Ukraine conflict but is waiting for signals from Washington.

Putin ready to talk to Trump, waiting for 'signals', Kremlin says

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready for talks with US President Donald Trump regarding the Ukraine conflict but is waiting for signals from Washington.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to talk to US counterpart Donald Trump but is waiting for signals from Washington first, the Kremlin said on Friday, fuelling expectations the two would be in contact.
The Ukraine conflict has plunged relations between the two nuclear powers to their lowest levels since the Cold War, with Trump repeatedly promising to end the fighting with a "deal".
He told reporters on Thursday he would meet Putin "immediately", and that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wanted to negotiate.
"Putin is ready. We are waiting for signals," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said of Trump's overtures.
Peskov said that he could not comment further on a possible meeting between the leaders, saying it was "hard to read coffee grounds" to predict the future.
Trump has threatened Russia with tougher economic sanctions if it does not agree to end its nearly three-year offensive.
"If they don't settle this war soon, like almost immediately, I'm going to put massive tariffs on Russia, and massive taxes, and also big sanctions," the Republican said during a Fox News interview on Thursday.
The Kremlin rejected Trump's claim that the conflict in Ukraine could be ended by lowering the price of oil used to fund Moscow's budget, saying: "This conflict does not depend on oil prices."
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, Trump had said that he would ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC to lower oil prices, saying: "If the price came down, the Russia-Ukraine war would end immediately."
Peskov said the conflict was instead based on "threats to Russia's national security", "threats to Russians" living in Ukraine and "the lack of desire and complete refusal of Americans and Europeans to listen to Russia's concerns".
 - Three dead near Kyiv -
Neither side has shown signs of de-escalating hostilities since Trump's inauguration on Monday.
Russian aerial attacks near Kyiv killed three people and wounded several others, Ukrainian officials said Friday, while Ukraine fired 120 drones at at least 12 Russian regions, including the capital Moscow.
The Kremlin has launched drone or missile attacks at Kyiv almost every day since sending troops into Ukraine in February 2022, ostensibly targeting military and energy facilities.
"Three people were killed in an enemy attack in the Kyiv region," the emergency services said in a statement on social media.
It said fragments of a drone had struck a 10-storey residential building after the head of the region said a private home had also been hit.
Black smoke billowed from a residential building damaged in the strike as rescue workers hauled out the bodies of the victims, official images from the scene showed.
In Russia, the Ukrainian military said it launched an overnight drone attack striking an oil refinery, power station facilities and an electronics plant.
State media reported that a microelectronics factory had halted work after six Ukrainian drones damaged production and storage facilities in the Bryansk region.
Moscow and Kyiv are both vying to gain the upper hand ahead of possible negotiations in the early days of Trump's administration.
Prior to his inauguration, Trump vowed to end the Ukraine conflict immediately upon taking office, raising concerns in Ukraine it would be forced to make major territorial concessions to Russia.
Moscow has been advancing on the battlefield for months, closing in on the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk.
On Friday, Russia said its forces captured the village of Tymofiivka about 20 kilometres (12 miles) east of the key industrial hub.

The Kremlin confirms that President Vladimir Putin is open to talks with Donald Trump, who has expressed his intention to meet Putin in an effort to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Kremlin says Putin ready for talks with Trump

The Kremlin confirms that President Vladimir Putin is open to talks with Donald Trump, who has expressed his intention to meet Putin in an effort to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The Kremlin said Friday that President Vladimir Putin was open to talks with Donald Trump, after the incoming US president said a meeting between the pair was being set up.
"The president has repeatedly stated his openness to contact with international leaders, including the US president, including Donald Trump," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
Trump, who will be inaugurated on January 20, has repeatedly said he can bring a swift end to the nearly three-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine, without presenting a concrete plan.
On Thursday he said a meeting with Putin was being arranged.
"He wants to meet, and we're setting it up," Trump said at a meeting with Republican governors at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.
"President Putin wants to meet, he's said that even publicly, and we have to get that war over with, that's a bloody mess," he said.
The Kremlin welcomed Trump's "readiness to solve problems through dialogue," Peskov said Friday, adding Moscow had no prerequisites for staging the meeting.
"No conditions are required. What is required is mutual desire and political will to solve problems through dialogue," he told reporters in a daily briefing.
Trump's hopes for a swift end to the conflict have stoked concern in Kyiv that Ukraine could be forced to accept a peace deal on terms favourable to Moscow.
Washington has delivered tens of billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale military offensive in February 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that without such support his country would have lost the conflict.
He is pushing Trump to back his "peace-through-strength" proposal, seeking NATO protections and concrete Western security guarantees as part of any settlement to end the fighting.

Ukraine's forces launched a counterattack in Russia's Kursk region, marking a critical escalation in the nearly three-year conflict. 

Russia says Ukraine launches 'counterattack' in Kursk region

Ukraine's forces launched a counterattack in Russia's Kursk region, marking a critical escalation in the nearly three-year conflict.&nbsp;

Russia said Sunday that Ukraine had launched a "counterattack" in the western border region of Kursk, where Kyiv's forces began a shock ground offensive last August.
It was not immediately clear how much Ukraine had advanced in the region, but pro-Kremlin military bloggers reported earlier that a powerful new offensive was under way.
The assault comes at a critical juncture in the nearly three-year conflict, with both sides seeking to strengthen their negotiating hand ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House on January 20.
"At about 9:00 am Moscow time (0600 GMT), in order to halt the advance of Russian troops in the Kursk direction, the enemy launched a counterattack," the Russian defence ministry said.
The Ukrainian army did not comment on the operation, simply saying in its daily report that fighting was under way in the Kursk region without elaborating.
Ukraine used two tanks, a dozen armoured vehicles and a demolition unit in the assault, which was directed towards the village of Berdin -- about 15 kilometres (nine miles) northeast of Sudzha, Moscow said.
"The operation to destroy the Ukrainian army formations continues," it added.
Pro-Kremlin military bloggers acknowledged the Russian army had come under pressure but said Moscow was fighting back.
"The main events of the next attempted offensive by the Ukrainian army are clearly still ahead of us," influential pro-Russian Telegram channel Rybar said.
Images purportedly showing a column of Ukrainian armoured vehicles driving through the snow were shared by pro-Russia military blogger Dva Mayora on Telegram.
&nbsp;
- Attack 'from several directions' -
Ukrainian officials gave little detail on the new offensive, with a prominent lawmaker urging silence.
"I can't understand why it is necessary to officially report on the Kursk region. Maybe better to do it afterwards when the operation is over?" Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko said.
Other officials expressed their glee at the operation, which comes almost three years since Moscow launched its full-scale military assault on Ukraine.
"Russia is getting what it deserves," Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak said.
The head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, Andriy Kovalenko, said on Telegram that defence forces were "working" in the area, without elaborating.
"In the Kursk region, the Russians are very worried because they were attacked from several directions, and it was a surprise for them," he said.
Kyiv seized dozens of villages in the Kursk region shortly after its incursion started on August 6, 2024, but its advances stalled after Moscow rushed reinforcements to the area, including thousands of troops from its ally North Korea.
A Ukrainian army source told AFP last November that Kyiv still controlled 800 square kilometres (around 300 square miles) of the Russian border region, down from previous claims it controlled almost 1,400 square kilometres.
&nbsp;
- Zelensky on Trump -
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said last year the Kursk operation has boosted Kyiv's "exchange fund" -- its negotiating position on swapping prisoners of war -- and diverted tens of thousands of Russian troops away from the eastern front.
He said Saturday evening that "up to a battalion of North Korean infantry soldiers and Russian airborne troops" had been lost in battles in the Kursk region on that day and the day before.
And in an interview with US podcaster Lex Fridman released Sunday, he underlined the key role Trump would play.
"Trump and I will come to an agreement and... offer strong security guarantees, together with Europe, and then we can talk to the Russians," Zelensky said, according to the published translation of the interview held in Kyiv over the New Year.
"We and Trump come first, and Europe will support Ukraine's position," he added. Trump, he said, "has enough power to pressure him, to pressure Putin".
&nbsp;
- Airports briefly shut -
But Kyiv has so far been unable to halt Moscow's advances in Ukraine, which were seven times higher in 2024 than the year prior, according to an AFP analysis of data from the Institute for the Study of War.
Both Russia and Ukraine have exchanged regular attacks since the year began.
Russia said Sunday it had downed dozens of Ukrainian drones overnight in a barrage that damaged homes and triggered air alerts, while Kyiv said Moscow fired 103 drones into its territory.
Four Russian airports briefly suspended traffic early Sunday for "safety" reasons, a spokesperson for Russia's civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia said.
Elsewhere on the front line, Ukrainian authorities in the eastern Donetsk region reported Sunday that five people had been wounded in Russian shelling.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he was ready for talks "anytime" with US President-elect Donald Trump, who has touted his ability to strike a Ukraine peace deal.

Putin ready to meet Trump 'anytime' to talk Ukraine deal

Asked about Trump's overtures regarding a possible peace deal, Putin said he would welcome a meeting with the incoming Republican.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he was ready for talks "anytime" with US President-elect Donald Trump, who has touted his ability to strike a Ukraine peace deal within hours of coming to office.
Trump, who will return to the White House in January, has stoked fears in Kyiv that he could force Ukraine to accept peace on terms favourable to Moscow.
Holding his annual end-of-year press conference, the Kremlin leader said his troops held the upper hand across the battlefield, but was forced to admit he does not know when Russia will take back the western Kursk region where Ukrainian troops launched an incursion in August.
The traditional annual question and answer sessions, often lasting hours, are largely a televised show while also being a rare setting in which he is put on the spot and answers some uncomfortable questions.
Asked about Trump's overtures regarding a possible peace deal, Putin said he would welcome a meeting with the incoming Republican.
"I don't know when I'm going to see him. He isn't saying anything about it. I haven't talked to him in more than four years. I am ready for it, of course. Any time," Putin said.
"If we ever have a meeting with President-elect Trump, I am sure we'll have a lot to talk about," he said, adding that Russia was ready for "negotiations and compromises".
The Kremlin recently welcomed Trump's sharp criticism of President Joe Biden's decision to allow Kyiv to use US-supplied missiles to strike Russian territory -- a major escalation in the nearly three-year conflict.
&nbsp;
- Kursk offensive -
Russia's troops have been advancing in eastern Ukraine for months, with Putin repeatedly touting their prowess on the battlefield.
"We are moving towards resolving the primary aims that we set at the start of the special military operation," Putin said, using Russia's term for the conflict.
"Our guys are fighting heroically. The capabilities of the armed forces are growing."
Moscow's army in November advanced at its fastest pace in east Ukraine since the first month of its 2022 attack.
But asked by a woman from the Kursk region when residents will be able to return to their homes there, after thousands were evacuated from frontline areas amid the Ukrainian assault, Putin said he could not name a date.
"We will absolutely kick them out. Absolutely. It can't be any other way. But the question of a specific date, I'm sorry, I cannot say right now," he admitted.
Putin, 72, was also pressed on economic headwinds facing Russia -- the fallout from a huge ramp up in military spending and deep labour shortages caused by the conflict.
He insisted that the situation is "stable, despite external threats", citing low unemployment and industrial growth.
Asked about soaring inflation, Putin said that "inflation is a worrying signal," and that price rises for foods such as butter and meat are "unpleasant".
He acknowledged that Western sanctions were also a factor -- "while they do not have key significance" -- and criticised the central bank saying it should have taken measures beyond raising rates to lower inflation.
&nbsp;
- Oreshnik 'duel' -
Putin appeared to repeat his threat to strike Kyiv with Russia's new hypersonic ballistic missile, dubbed Oreshnik.
Asked by a military journalist if the weapon had any flaws, Putin suggested a "hi-tech duel" between the West and Russia to test his claims that it is impervious to air defences.
"Let them set some target to be hit, let's say in Kyiv. They will concentrate there all their air defences. And we will launch an Oreshnik strike there and see what happens," Putin proposed.
Putin also called the killing of a senior Russian army general in a brazen assassination in Moscow two days earlier "terrorism", in his first comments on the attack.
Igor Kirillov, the head of the Russian military's chemical weapons unit, was killed by a bomb planted in a scooter outside a residential block in Moscow, the boldest assassination claimed by Kyiv since the start of the conflict.
&nbsp;
- Syria -
In his first public comments since the fall of ex-Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Putin rejected claims his toppling was a "defeat" for Russia.
"You want to present what is happening in Syria as a defeat for Russia," Putin said in response to a question from a journalist. "I assure you it is not... we have achieved our goals."
Putin said he has not yet met Assad, who fled to Moscow as rebels closed in on Damascus, but plans to soon.

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