Putin is trying to reset relations with the US and sway Trump to his side.

Russian dictator Putin is trying to influence the foreign policy of US President-elect Donald Trump and achieve a reset of relations between Russia and the US on Moscow’s terms. The ISW pointed to new statements by the Russian dictator, which he made at the annual meeting of the Valdai discussion club.

Among other things, Putin hinted that Trump’s team expressed a desire to restore relations with Russia to help put an end to the “Ukrainian crisis.” At the same time, he noted that Russia is open to “the possibility of restoring relations with the States.”

Putin also tried to accuse the US of undermining American-Russian relations, noting that Washington imposed sanctions and other restrictions on Moscow and chose to support Ukraine. Putin’s statement implies that Russia will reset relations with Washington only if the US lifts sanctions and restrictions against Moscow and stops supporting Ukraine.

The ISW also points to Putin’s assumption that Trump will listen to the Kremlin’s interests and preferences without demanding any concessions from Moscow.