Russian President Vladimir Putin said his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky is becoming a "toxic figure" in Ukraine, AFP reports.

Putin said that "the current head of the Kiev regime is becoming a toxic figure" from the point of view of the armed forces and society in Ukraine as a whole.

The head of state also commented that US and Russian companies "are in touch" regarding joint economic projects related to the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine.

He confirmed that U.S. and Russian companies are discussing economic projects, stating, "Yes, some of our companies are in touch with each other and such projects are being discussed."

Putin backed his US counterpart Donald Trump's suggestion that Russia, the US and China should halve their military budgets.

"I think this is a good idea. The US will cut by 50%, we will cut by 50% and then China will join if it wants," the Russian leader said.

Putin added that Russia was ready to work with "foreign partners, including Americans," to develop reserves of rare and rare earth metals, including "in our new regions," referring to the regions of Ukraine occupied by Russia. | BGNES