Putin says he invited Trump to Russia and is 'ready to go' to Washington: Reports
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday he had invited President Donald Trump to Moscow and that he would be willing to visit the United States if "relevant conditions" were met, according to Russian media.
"I understand very well that President Trump has a wish to have further meetings," Putin said, according to Russian news agency Interfax. "And I am ready for that. But relevant conditions are needed" in both countries, he said at a press conference in Johannesburg.
Putin also said he was ready to host Trump in Russia, Interfax and Russian state news agency TASS reported.
“We are ready to invite Trump to Moscow, he by the way has such invitation, I have told him about that," Putin said, according to TASS. "And I am ready to go to Washington, if relevant conditions for work will be created there."
It was unclear if Putin's overture was a formal invitation to Trump. Putin was speaking following a BRICS emerging economies summit in South Africa.
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement Friday that Putin would come to Washington next year. A previous invitation for a summit with Putin this fall was delayed by the administration.
Sanders also said Trump was open to visiting Russia.
“President Trump looks forward to having President Putin to Washington after the first of the year, and he is open to visiting Moscow upon receiving a formal invitation," she said in a statement.
ABC News's Jordyn Phelps contributed reporting from Washington.
