U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has hinted at plans to initiate talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a report from Anadolu Agency. On Thursday, Trump shared that since his election win, he has been in contact with around 70 world leaders and expects a conversation with Putin soon. During an interview with NBC News, Trump mentioned having a “very good talk” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and also a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Although Trump has yet to speak with Putin, he expressed optimism about future communication, stating, “I think we’ll speak.” This follows Putin’s congratulatory message to Trump on his election win, in which the Russian president noted, “We will work with any head of state that the American people trust.”

In recent comments at the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi, Putin commended Trump, calling him a “courageous man” and praising his composure during two assassination attempts earlier this year. Putin also acknowledged the significant challenges Trump faced in his first term, which he suggested had impacted Trump’s decision-making.

Putin expressed readiness for discussions, and Kremlin representatives did not dismiss the possibility of a meeting between the two leaders before Trump’s inauguration in January.

Trump, representing the Republican Party, secured victory over Democratic candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris, obtaining at least 295 Electoral College votes, surpassing the required 270. This win marks Trump’s return to the presidency for a second term, setting the stage for renewed diplomatic engagements, including potentially closer U.S.-Russia relations as Trump takes office.