Trump's re-election campaign makes us-Russian discussions "not so easy": Putin

Donald Trump said he hoped to meet Vladimir Putin at the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan, next week, although Moscow has so far declared that it has not yet received a formal invitation to such discussions.

Moscow, Russia:

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that he was ready to meet with Donald Trump if his American counterpart so wished, but added that Trump's re-election campaign could complicate US-Russian relations.

Trump said he hoped to meet Putin at the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan, next week, although Moscow has so far declared that it has not yet received an official invitation to such meetings.

US-Russian relations remain strained by everything from Syria to Ukraine and Venezuela, as well as by allegations of Russian interference in US policy, which Moscow denies.

Putin said this month that relations between Moscow and Washington are getting worse and worse.

"The dialogue is always good, there is always a demand," Putin said during his annual question-and-Answer Session in an interview about the discussions with Trump.

"Of course, if the american interest ... we are ready for dialogue."

The Russian leader said that both countries had much to talk about, including strategic nuclear stability. A historic arms control treaty must be renewed, as both sides announced their renunciation of the 1987 INF Treaty, fuelling fears of a wider arms race.

Putin said that Trump's desire to win another presidential term could complicate the situation.

"We all understand and see what is happening in u.s. domestic politics," said Putin. "Even if the president wants to take steps towards us, wants to talk about anything, there are a very large number of limitations.

"Especially since the current head of State will make all his statements taking into account his electoral campaign. He has already started the campaign, so it will not be easy in our relations", said Mr. Putin.