Kremlin 'unaware' of Putin's plans to congratulate Trump over election victory

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - The Kremlin spokesman said on Wednesday he is "unaware" of any plans by Russian President Vladimir Putin to congratulate Donald Trump, who nears victory in the US presidential election after winning key battleground states.

At a press briefing in Moscow, Dmitry Peskov underscored that Trump, as a representative of an "unfriendly country," is part of a government engaged, directly and indirectly, in conflict with Russia.

Asked if Putin would be prepared for a post-election phone conversation with Trump, Peskov responded: "I refer to Putin's consistent openness to dialogue and engagement. This position is well known worldwide. As for other details, let us await specific developments."

Peskov also dismissed accusations of interference in the US election, reiterating that Russia does not meddle in the internal affairs of other nations and firmly upholds its own policy of non-interference.

Responding to a question about the future of Russian-US relations, Peskov said they are currently at a historic low and the trajectory of ties will ultimately depend on the next US administration.

Trump is currently ahead of Democratic candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris in the race to reach 270 Electoral College votes, the number needed to become president, having racked up 267, according to The Associated Press.