Russia: Putin says he’s not against release of Trump phone call memos

W/S Russian President Vladimir Putin taking seat during plenary session at the Russian Evergy Week 2019 Forum, Moscow
SOT, Vladimir Putin, Russian President (Russian): “We believe that common sense and fundamental interests, I would like to stress this, the fundamental interests of the United States will do their part, and the relations between Russia and the United States will return to normal. But it’s not the case yet. That's the truth. We also see that the position of President Trump himself, at least as it is publicly formulated, does not change with regard to Russia. He wants to restore relations, we welcome this and will use every opportunity to ensure that these plans are implemented.” *MULTIPLE SHOTS AT SOURCE*
W/S Forum *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Vladimir Putin, Russian President (Russian): “We became involved in the domestic political squabbles of the United States even before I had met President Trump. So, first of all, we never had any closeness, and we don't have it now. We have a business-like, good, in my opinion, stable, trusting relationship, however, the closeness of the relationship between me and President Trump did not affect the domestic political squabbles in the United States. I want to stress that. All the scandals inside the US arose before I met Trump. What kind of intimacy is there? There was no closeness. Well, now we see another thing. We see what is happening in the States. Any excuse to attack President Trump is used. Now, it is Ukraine and the related showdowns in terms of relations with Ukraine and with President Zelenskiy. What do we have to do with it?" *MULTIPLE SHOTS AT SOURCE*
W/S Forum *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Vladimir Putin, Russian President (Russian): “Highly likely - we've heard that before. He found no evidence of us colluding with Trump in the past, but expressed concerns that we might do so in the future. That's ridiculous. Or it would be funny if it wasn't so sad. Everything that we see now in the US domestic political sphere destroys Russian-American relations and, I am sure, is to the detriment of the United States itself.” *MULTIPLE SHOTS AT SOURCE*
M/S Audience *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Moderator: “Let me just ask you again the second part of that question: Is Russia, as Robert Mueller alleged, attempting to influence the 2020 elections in the United States?”
Vladimir Putin, Russian President (Russian): “I’ll tell you a secret: 'Yes, we will definitely do it' in order to completely amuse you. But do not tell anyone.” *MULTIPLE SHOTS AT SOURCE*
C/U Audience *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Vladimir Putin, Russian President (Russian): “I may disappoint you, but I don't share the general enthusiasm for Greta Tumberg's performance. You know, it is right that young people, teenagers, pay attention to the acute problems of today, including environmental problems. This is very good. They certainly need to be supported. But when someone takes advantage of children and adolescents, it is only worthy of condemnation.” *MULTIPLE SHOTS AT SOURCE*
W/S Forum *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Vladimir Putin, Russian President (Russian): “Look, I haven't been working my whole life in the position that I am today. My former life taught me that any conversation I had could be published. I always assume that. Therefore, when they tried to escalate another scandal over our meeting with president Trump in Helsinki, we directly told the [US Presidential] Administration: 'Well, if someone wants to find out something, publish it. We do not object it'. I assure you, there was nothing that compromised President Trump there.” *MULTIPLE SHOTS AT SOURCE*
W/S Putin leaving stage
SCRIPT
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was not opposed to the possible release of transcripts of his talks with US President Donald Trump, speaking at the plenary session of the Russian Energy Week forum in Moscow on Wednesday.
The Russian leader stated his pre-presidency career had taught him that all of his discussions could be published, adding that if someone wished to see the Trump phone call memos, the Kremlin was not against it.
Putin went on to say that his personal relationship with Trump had always been “business-like” and “stable”.
He also mentioned that Russia would do everything that President Trump’s plans and willingness to restore relations between Moscow and Washington were implemented.
Putin went on to say that he did not “share the general enthusiasm” on 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg’s 'how dare you' speech at the United Nations.
“When someone takes advantage of children and adolescents, it is only worthy of condemnation,” said Putin.