A Kremlin spokesman stressed that Russia hopes to improve relations with the United States, but is always fully prepared for the worst possible situation.

Iran PressEurope: Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a news conference on Friday that he wanted to continue talks with his US counterpart and is ready for such talks whenever it is appropriate for Joe Biden.

A Kremlin spokesman added: "Monday's option remains. "Vladimir Putin is ready whenever the conditions are right for the US president to hold a talk," he said.

The Russian president on Thursday suggested to Joe Biden to have a public debate on a live television program this Friday or Monday.

"I am confident that there will be an opportunity to talk to the Russian president at some point" Kremlin spokesman said in response to a reporter's question last night.

Dmitry Peskov also noted that the US failure to respond to Putin's offer of a public dialogue would be considered a refusal in the Kremlin.

Peskov also explained that, contrary to some expectations, no televised debate could take place between the leaders of Russia and the United States, and that Vladimir Putin's proposal was to hold a dialogue in the eyes of the international community, not a debate.

The Kremlin spokesman also stressed that Moscow officials have always hoped that relations with Washington would improve, but Russia is also fully prepared for the worst. 219