Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his readiness to engage in talks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, calling him a "courageous" leader and congratulating him on his victory in the recent U.S. election.
This marks Putin’s first public comment on the election outcome, underscoring the importance of restoring US-Russia relations and addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Speaking at a policy forum in Sochi, Russia, Putin extended his congratulations to Trump, stating that he was prepared for discussions with the incoming U.S. President.
When asked about the possibility of negotiations, Putin affirmed, "We are ready." While he remained uncertain about the outcome of Trump’s promises to swiftly resolve the war in Ukraine, he noted that Trump’s ideas were worth considering.
Putin also expressed admiration for Trump's response during an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania earlier in the year. He praised Trump for his courage in the face of danger, describing how the former president handled the situation.
"People show who they are in extraordinary circumstances," Putin said. "This is where a person reveals himself. And he showed himself, in my opinion, in a very correct manner, courageously. Like a man."
As the world watches closely, Putin’s comments signal a potential shift in U.S.-Russia relations, which were strained during the previous administration. He also highlighted the challenges Trump faced in trying to improve ties with Moscow during his first term, due to opposition from political forces in Washington.
Trump’s stance on the war in Ukraine has sparked considerable debate. While he has criticised the scale of U.S. aid to Ukraine, which has exceeded $100 billion since Russia’s invasion in 2022, he has also indicated that he could pursue a peace deal with Russia that might not align with the interests of Kyiv or European allies. This has led to concerns about Trump’s intentions for the future of the war and his approach to Russian demands.
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