Russian President Vladimir Putin has finally spoken out after Donald Trump's overwhelming election win, remarking: "He turned out to be a brave man."
Putin - who recently made a new frightening deal with North Korea - extended his congratulations to Trump on his presidential victory and commended his valiant response to the July assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. "His behavior at the moment of an attempt on his life left an impression on me," Putin disclosed at an international forum in Sochi, adding, "He manifested himself in the very correct way, bravely as a man."
The Russian leader took note of Trump's comments on wanting to mend ties with Russia and address the Ukrainian crisis, considering them worthy of attention.
Map shows five best countries to survive 'nuclear winter' as WW3 fears spike Chilling nuclear bomb simulation shows damage North Korean bomb would cause in New YorkThe Kremlin had previously shown approval for Trump's assertion that he could halt the conflict in Ukraine "in 24 hours" with a solid policy proposal. "I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election as president of the United States of America," Putin stated during a Q&A session at the conference.
Regarding expectations from Trump's second term, Putin expressed uncertainty: "I don't know what will happen now. I have no idea. For him, this is still his last presidential term. What he will do is his matter.", reports the Express US.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has hinted at a potential meeting with Donald Trump before his inauguration, recalling Trump's promise to call Putin prior to the event. However, Peskov was quick to label Washington as "unfriendly" due to its involvement in Ukraine.
World War III fears loom as Putin makes terrifying deal with North Korea Moment massive Russian assault obliterated as Putin 'loses 1,300 troops' in a single dayHe stressed that Moscow perceives the U. S. as an "unfriendly" nation directly implicated in the Ukrainian conflict. Furthermore, he described U. S. -Russia relations as being at their "lowest point in history", leaving it up to Trump to alter the dynamics of their relationship.
Despite Trump's known admiration for Putin and other autocrats, the Russian leader harbours resentment over the numerous restrictions and sanctions imposed on Russia during Trump's first term. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took to social media to congratulate Trump on his election victory, reminiscing about a conversation they had in September regarding U. S.-Ukraine relations, a victory plan, and "ways to put an end to Russian aggression against Ukraine."
"Congratulations to [Donald Trump] on his impressive election victory! " he penned. "I appreciate President Trump's commitment to the 'peace through strength' approach in global affairs."
"This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer," he continued.
"I am hopeful that we will put it into action together. We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump's decisive leadership."
Zelensky stressed Ukraine's dependence on the "continued strong bipartisan support" from the U. S. and expressed his hope for a relationship that promotes enduring peace and security in Europe, backed by its transatlantic allies.