Putin Congratulates Trump's Election Victory... "He Is a Brave Man, Ready to Talk"

[US Election 2024]

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Donald Trump on his victory in the U.S. presidential election on the 7th (local time) and stated that he is ready to engage in dialogue with him.

AFP Yonhap News

According to Russian English-language media The Moscow Times and others, President Putin said during a Q&A session at the Valdai Forum held in Sochi, southern Russia, "I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election as President of the United States." This marks Putin's first official comment on the results of the U.S. election held on the 5th.

President Putin noted, "It is at least noteworthy that (Trump) mentioned his desire to restore relations with Russia and support the resolution of the Ukraine crisis." During his election campaign, President-elect Trump had stated that he would end the war between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office.

When asked if he was willing to hold talks with President-elect Trump, he replied, "I am ready." He said he is not embarrassed to speak with Trump on the phone and does not oppose resuming contact with him. The Moscow Times also reported in another article that there is a possibility for the two leaders to meet before Trump’s inauguration in January.

Additionally, President Putin praised President-elect Trump’s response to the shooting incident during his July campaign rally in Pennsylvania, saying it was "impressive" and that he "proved to be a brave man." He added, "People show who they really are in special situations," and "In my opinion, he showed himself in a very proper and courageous way. Like a man."