MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he is ready to meet and talk with US President-elect Donald Trump at any time.

He said at his annual press conference that he hadn't spoken to Trump in over four years, adding that if such a meeting happens, there will be many things to discuss.

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He also shared that Russia's gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow by around 3.9 to 4 percent in 2024 and overall, the economic situation remains stable, despite external challenges.

"Last year, our economic growth was 3.6 percent, this year it will be 3.9 percent, maybe even 4 percent," he said.

Many economic indicators remain satisfactory, for example, the unemployment rate is currently at a record low of 2.3 percent, he added. 

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He also admitted that inflation is currently at 9.2-9.3 percent, which continues to be "an alarming signal".

In terms of Ukraine, he said Russia is ready to negotiate with any legitimate leader in Ukraine. "If someone takes part in the election and gains legitimacy, we are ready to talk to him, including Volodymyr Zelensky," Putin said.

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He added that Russia has no preconditions for starting negotiations with Ukraine, emphasizing that Russia is ready to engage in talks based on the Istanbul agreements while considering the current situation on the ground.

Putin held his annual press conference with a "Direct Line" question and answer session in Moscow on Thursday. Russians from across the country submitted their questions ahead of the event, which the president addressed along with those posed by journalists.