TLDR:
Putin praises Trump’s courage
Putin ready for U.S.-Russia dialogue
Putin remarks on Trump-Ukraine stance
MOSCOW (The Thursday Times) — In a striking post-election address, Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly congratulated Donald Trump on his U.S. election victory, offering personal praise for Trump’s resilience during an attempted assassination. Putin’s remarks came during the 21st annual meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, where he underscored his willingness to rekindle diplomatic relations with the United States under a Trump administration.
Reflecting on Trump’s survival of a July attack in Pennsylvania, Putin lauded the U.S. president-elect’s reaction to the ordeal. “He behaved courageously, like a real man,” Putin noted, suggesting that Trump’s handling of the incident had impressed the Kremlin. This endorsement by one of the world’s most powerful leaders highlights a rare moment of admiration in a diplomatic relationship long marked by tension and distrust.
Putin’s take on Ukraine and U.S.-Russia relations
The Russian leader expressed interest in Trump’s stated intentions to reset U.S.-Russia relations, specifically regarding the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Throughout his campaign, Trump frequently alluded to the possibility of resolving the conflict, at one point suggesting he could achieve peace in Ukraine within 24 hours. While the details of Trump’s plan remain vague, Putin signalled a cautious optimism, acknowledging the potential shift could benefit global stability and address Europe’s most extensive land conflict since World War II.
Despite his hopes for progress, Putin maintained a pragmatic tone, noting, “I do not know what is going to happen now. I have no clue.” This ambiguous comment suggests that while Putin sees potential in Trump’s words, he remains uncertain about the likelihood of substantive changes in the West’s approach to Russia.
The Kremlin’s view on U.S. political dynamics
Commenting on the broader dynamics of U.S. politics, Putin addressed the intense criticism Trump faced during his campaign. He described Trump as being “hounded by all sides,” acknowledging the polarising nature of his presidential bid. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov echoed Putin’s sentiments, noting that while Trump’s promise to resolve the Ukraine crisis may have been ambitious, Russia acknowledges the sincerity of his stated intentions.
In a humorous response to U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’s assertion that Putin would “eat Trump for lunch” in diplomatic negotiations, Peskov remarked with a chuckle, “Putin does not eat people.” This comment, intended to lighten the moment, hints at the Kremlin’s awareness of how the Western media often portrays Putin’s interactions with American leaders.
The anticipation of a new diplomatic chapter
Putin concluded his remarks by stating he was open to future dialogue with the Trump administration, should there be interest from Washington. He suggested that Moscow was ready to resume discussions on matters of shared concern, including efforts to restore peace in Ukraine. However, the Russian leader was careful to avoid projecting any certainty on future developments, underscoring his measured approach to U.S.-Russia diplomacy.
Kremlin insiders have suggested that while Russia may anticipate a more accommodating stance from Trump, it is prepared for any scenario, aware of the unpredictable nature of global politics.