The Russian government says it is ready to engage in negotiations with the United States over the issue of nuclear disarmament. This comes after US President Donald Trump expressed a desire to see a reduction in nuclear weapons.

The US president addressed the World Economic Forum by videolink on Thursday. The meeting is being held in Davos, Switzerland. Trump said he and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about denuclearization in the past.

Trump stated that Putin liked the idea of cutting way back on such arms. Trump added that China also liked the idea.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov spoke with reporters on Friday. He indicated that Moscow is interested in restarting the negotiation process as soon as possible.

Peskov added that it is necessary to take into account other nuclear powers, such as France and Britain.

He accused Washington of breaking off all substantive contacts with Moscow. The spokesperson said that the ball is in Washington's court.

Meanwhile, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairperson of Russia's Security Council, said about 450,000 people signed a contract with the country's defense ministry last year.

Observers say Russia's forces are continuing their offensive in Ukraine, even though they have been suffering casualties.

They note that authorities in Russia have been trying to avoid a draft, which would be unpopular. Instead, the authorities have reportedly been aiming to reinforce the military by recruiting contract soldiers, who are offered high salaries.