Russian head of state Vladimir Putin congratulated Donald Trump on his election as president of the United States. He expressed this during the forum "Discussion Club "Valdai" in the Russian Black Sea city of Sochi, the world agencies reported, as quoted by BTA.
Putin praised Trump for his courage in the assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. The Russian leader said that Moscow is ready to hold talks with the new American president from the Republican Party.
"I would like to congratulate him on his election as president," Putin said of Trump, who had said during his election campaign that he could bring peace to Ukraine in one day if elected. However, he did not specify how he would achieve this, according to Reuters. On the occasion of this statement by Trump, Putin said that his words deserve attention.
"I was impressed by his behavior during the attempt on his life. He turned out to be a very brave man. And it wasn't just that he raised his fist and called for a fight for his own and for common ideals... He behaved, in my opinion, in a very correct way - bravely, like a man... I'm speaking sincerely, completely", declared the Russian president.
"I feel like (during his first term) he was hounded from all sides. They wouldn't let him move. He dared not take a step to the left or to the right, to say a single superfluous word. I don't know what will happen now. I have no idea. This is his last mandate. What is he going to do, you have to ask him," Putin added.
Asked what he would do if Trump called him and offered to meet, Putin replied: "I don't think there's anything shameful about me calling him. At one point, the leaders of Western countries started calling me every week. Then suddenly they stopped. Well, if they don't want it, then they don't need it. As you can see, we are alive, we are healthy, everything is fine, we are developing, moving forward. If any of them wants us to resume our contacts, I have always said that I have nothing against it," the Russian president said.
Moscow is ready to resume relations with the US, but the ball is in the court of the Americans, Putin summarized.
Putin had previously stated that he would prefer Joe Biden or Kamala Harris to be in the White House, as they were more predictable compared to the Republican Trump, notes AFP.