Putin ends BRICS summit overshadowed by Ukraine war

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was "open" to better relations with the US — if Washington was willing too — as he wrapped up the three-day BRICS summit in Kazan on Friday.

"How Russian-American relations will develop after the election will depend on the United States. If they are open, then we will also be open. And if they don't want it, then fine," Putin told reporters at a news conference.

Relations between Russia and the US have dipped to a low point following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Last month, the US Justice Department brought charges against two employees of the Russian state media network, RT, for efforts to manipulate US public opinion ahead of the November election.

But despite the international isolation of Russia over the war in Ukraine, Russian leader Putin welcomed representatives of more than 36 countries to Kazan this week.

The annual BRICS summit saw a meeting of heads of state, like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The group is hoping to emerge as a strong alternative to the US-led economic order.

Putin praises Trump on Ukraine stance

At a press conference as the summit drew to a close on Thursday night, Putin was asked about US presidential hopeful Donald Trump's promise to end the fighting in Ukraine.

"What Mr Trump said recently, what I heard, [is] he spoke about the desire to do everything to end the conflict in Ukraine," Putin told reporters.