MOSCOW, Russia.- Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his country’s willingness to dialogue with the West, but not at the expense of national interests, and rejected the imposition of politically motivated sanctions.

After meeting in Sochi with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen, Putin stated that Russia was willing to be flexible, to undertake commitments, to seek solutions to any problem complicated with the West, especially with the United States.

But this should never be achieved at the expense of our fundamental national interests, the Russian President warned, who said that despite the West’s sanctions, trade with Austria and other European countries increases.

Putin declared growth is evident, even with the United States, and was willing to meet his American counterpart, Donald Trump, in Japan, if he wishes.