Trump adviser says Putin meeting preparations underway

A phone call between the incoming US president and the Russian leader is expected “in the coming days and weeks,” Michael Waltz has said

Preparations for talks between US President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are underway, incoming US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz has said. Phone conversations between the two are expected to occur in the “coming days and weeks,” Waltz believes.

The incoming senior official made the remarks on Sunday in an interview with ABC News’ Jonathan Karl. Asked how soon the Trump-Putin meeting could happen, Waltz did not provide estimates. 

“The preparations are underway,” he said.

It remains unclear whether the potential meeting between Trump and Putin would involve anyone else beyond the two, Waltz added. However, phone talks are expected to occur shortly, he said. 

“We have not set an exact framework for it, yet we’re working on that. But I do expect a call at least in the coming days and weeks. That will be a step and we’ll take it from there,” Waltz stated.

Previously, Trump announced that a meeting with Putin is being set up, suggesting it would likely take place after he officially assumes office on January 20. Kremlin has  confirmed that both Putin and Trump have expressed intent to communicate, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating earlier this week, however, that there were still no exact details on where or when the potential meeting could take place.

DETAILS TO FOLLOW