Vladimir Putin would prefer an American leader who understands the ‘importance of dialogue,’ Kremlin spokesman says.

Russian President Vladimir Putin would prefer an American president who is “more constructive” toward Russia and understands the “importance of the dialogue” between the two countries, the Kremlin said on Friday.

Asked whether Putin could work with the Republican front-runner in the U.S. election, former President Donald Trump, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told broadcaster NBC News that the Russian leader would be ready to work with “anyone who will understand that from now on, you have to be more careful with Russia and you have to take into account its concerns.”

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, relations between the West and Moscow have deteriorated, with Washington and its allies imposing wide-ranging sanctions on individuals and entities having links with Moscow regime.