Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday congratulated Donald Trump on his victory in the US presidential election, praised his courage following an assassination attempt, and expressed Russia's readiness for dialogue with the incoming Republican president.
Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Putin described Trump’s response to a July assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania as courageous and composed. “He behaved, in my opinion, in a very correct way, courageously, like a real man,” Putin said. “I take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election.”
Putin also acknowledged Trump’s campaign remarks about improving relations with Russia and addressing the Ukraine crisis. “What was said about the desire to restore relations with Russia and bring an end to the Ukrainian crisis, in my opinion, deserves attention,” Putin stated. Trump had claimed during the campaign that he could resolve the Ukraine conflict within 24 hours if elected, though he offered few details on how he would accomplish such a feat.
However, the Russian leader sounded a note of caution: “I do not know what is going to happen now. I have no clue,” Putin said, expressing uncertainty about what direction the relationship would take under Trump’s leadership.
When asked what he would do if Trump suggested a meeting, Putin said Russia was prepared to resume contacts and discussions with the new administration if desired. He reiterated that Moscow was open to dialogue and cooperation with Washington, should Trump choose to pursue it.
Putin also rejected ongoing Western claims that Trump had been influenced by Russia, including the allegations of collusion between Trump's 2016 campaign and Moscow. The Mueller investigation, which examined these claims, concluded in 2019 that there was no evidence of conspiracy. Russian officials have consistently denied allegations of interference in US elections, including the 2024 race, calling them “nonsense.”
As the war in Ukraine enters what some officials consider its most dangerous phase, Putin reiterated his terms for ending the conflict, which include Ukraine dropping its NATO ambitions and withdrawing troops from territories claimed by Russia. He stressed that Russia controlled Crimea, the Donbas region, and significant portions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.
In his comments, Putin lambasted the “adventurism” of Western leaders, accusing them of pushing the world toward a “dangerous line” by attempting to defeat Russia strategically in Ukraine. “It is useless to put pressure on us. But we are always ready to negotiate with full consideration of mutual legitimate interests,” he said, criticizing the West for its expansion of NATO since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Putin added that while Russia was open to restoring relations with the United States, the decision rested with Washington. He also reiterated that China was Russia’s “ally” in the ongoing global geopolitical landscape.
In a lighter moment, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to US Vice President Kamala Harris’ warning that Putin would "eat Trump for lunch," saying with a chuckle, "Putin does not eat people."
Source: Malaymail
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
