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Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday that he was “ready” to hold talks with the newly-elected U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he described as “courageous.” Putin’s congratulatory message reflects his openness to establishing a cooperative rapport with Trump’s incoming administration.
“I take this opportunity to congratulate him,” Putin said in remarks to the Valdai forum in the southern city of Sochi.
The Russian leader was asked if he would entertain talks with Trump, to which he responded, “Ready,” suggesting a willingness to engage in diplomatic dialogue.
Ahead of the U.S. vote, Putin publicly expressed his preference for Joe Biden, and subsequently Kamala Harris, as his favored choices for the White House, responding to questions on which candidate could most benefit Russia.
Trump’s anti-establishment approach and the political discord he has sparked domestically and internationally have, for years, seemed to align with Moscow’s interests.
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Widespread claims suggested Moscow interfered in the 2016 presidential election to aid Trump’s campaign against Clinton, though Russian officials have steadfastly denied any involvement.
The Kremlin leader on Thursday also said he was impressed by how Trump handled himself during an assassination attempt at a rally earlier this year.
“He turned out to be a courageous person,” Putin said.
“People show who they are in extraordinary circumstances. This is where a person reveals himself. And he showed himself, in my opinion, in a very correct manner, courageously. Like a man,” Putin said.