In an interview, Vladimir Putin said he respects the “national interests” of the United States and, for that reason, expects Trump to respect the “national interests” of Russia — which, in this context, refers to Russia’s territorial claims over Ukraine.

Recently, Putin voiced support for Trump’s intention to annex Greenland, a territory administered by Denmark, implying that he now expects Trump to back Russia’s territorial ambitions in Ukraine.

Putin’s statement came shortly after Trump announced he would speak with him by phone this coming Monday.