Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Donald Trump on his U.S. presidential election victory. He described Trump as a “courageous man” who was “hounded from all sides.” Putin expressed openness to discussing the war in Ukraine with Trump after he assumes office.
Putin’s First Public Remarks on Trump’s Election Win
These remarks marked Putin’s first public comments on Trump’s victory. He made the statements Thursday during a speech in Sochi, Russia, following Tuesday’s election results.
Trump has repeatedly claimed he could end the Ukraine war “in a day” but has not provided specifics. His statements have sparked speculation about his possible strategy for peace negotiations. Some suggest he might leverage his reportedly favorable relationship with Putin. However, details about how Trump would achieve peace remain unclear.
Concerns in Ukraine Over U.S. Military Support
In Ukraine, officials worry about how Trump’s presidency could impact U.S. military aid. This aid has been critical for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced these concerns on Wednesday. He called for continued cooperation between the U.S., Ukraine, and Europe, regardless of America’s election outcome.
Putin Signals Willingness to Engage with Trump
During his speech, Putin indicated readiness to engage in Ukraine-related talks with Trump. He also mentioned a past assassination attempt on Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Putin claimed the event left a lasting impression on him.
“Extraordinary situations reveal the true character of a person. In that moment, he showed himself to be very correct, very courageous—like a real man,” Putin stated.
Putin referenced Trump’s first term, noting that Trump had been “hounded by all sides.” This comment aligns with Trump’s self-portrayal as a target of unfair attacks. Trump often highlights claims of election interference and ongoing legal challenges as evidence of persecution.
Trump’s relationship with Putin has drawn scrutiny. A recent book by journalist Bob Woodward claims Trump had up to seven private phone calls with Putin after leaving office. Critics point out Putin’s history of using flattery, misinformation, and propaganda to influence others. During the 2020 U.S. election, Putin suggested he’d prefer Vice President Kamala Harris to win the presidency.
Experts have advised caution regarding Putin’s statements. Emily Harding, a former Senate Intelligence Committee investigator, warned, “I would caution any world leader about trusting Vladimir Putin with anything.”
Trump confirmed Thursday in an NBC News interview that he had not yet spoken with Putin. However, he indicated a conversation could happen soon. “I think we’ll speak,” Trump said.