In further remarks at the economic forum in Vladivostok, Vladimir Putin claimed that he had proposals from US companies to work in Alaska.

The Russian leader said a decision would be needed from Washington to resume economic engagement for them to proceed with such work.

It comes after he travelled to the US state to meet with US President Donald Trump last month.

Putin added he was ready for cooperation with foreign companies, including in the Arctic.

During his recent trip to China, the Russian leader discussed further cooperation in the Arctic with China, Putin said.

Mongolia ‘open to buying Russian gas’ – and supports pipeline to China

Vladimir Putin was joined on stage by Mongolia’s prime minister, who said his country was open to buying Russian gas.

Speaking at the economic forum in Vladivostok, Gombojavyn Zandanshatar added that he was willing to start the construction of power for the Siberia 2 gas pipeline – which would run from Russia to China, via Mongolia.

Putin welcomed this announcement, describing it as one of the largest energy projects.

China and India have propped up Russia’s economy by buying up its oil and gas as other countries turned away from it following its invasion of Ukraine.

During Putin’s recent trip to China, he sought to deepen these ties with Beijing.