Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on winning the US election, saying that he was ready to speak with the "courageous" incoming US President.
In his first public comment on the outcome of the US polls, the Russian leader on Thursday emphasised the need to restore US-Russia relations and work toward ending the war in Ukraine.
Putin made the remarks during a policy forum in Sochi, Russia.
Answering questions at the end of a lengthy speech, Putin said he wanted to "take this opportunity to congratulate (Trump) on his election as President of the United States".
When asked if he was ready for discussions with Trump, Putin responded: "We are ready."
Putin said he "didn’t know" what would come of Trump's promise to negotiate a quick end to the war in Ukraine, but he suggested the US President-elect's proposals are worth studying.
The Kremlin leader also said he was impressed by how Trump handled himself during an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania 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," he added.
In his first public comment on the outcome of the US polls, the Russian leader on Thursday emphasised the need to restore US-Russia relations and work toward ending the war in Ukraine.
After being pulled to the ground by US Secret Service agents when a gunman opened fire as he was speaking at an outdoor rally, Trump stood up and, pumping his fist in the air, yelled, "Fight! Fight! Fight!" It became a rallying cry at his rallies in his successful campaign to return to the presidency.
Trump has criticised the scale of US aid to Ukraine -- which has surpassed $100 billion since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 -- feeding fears in Kyiv and the European Union that Trump intends to impose peace largely on Moscow's terms.
Putin also cautioned that political forces in Washington had blocked Trump from his pledges to improve relations with Moscow during his previous term.
‘Pahalgam incident deeply disturbing & tragic’: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday termed the Pahalgam terror attack as disturbing & tragic and also condoled the victims and their families.
Congress finally deletes 'Gayab' post targeting PM Modi after outrage
Under fire from the BJP over its social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress finally, on Tuesday, took down the controversial post.
Guterres calls EAM Jaishankar, Pak PM Sharif; stresses pursuing justice in Pahalgam terror attack
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of pursuing justice in the Pahalgam terrorist attack while speaking with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shebaz Sharif, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
Congress organises ‘Save Constitution’ rallies across NE states
The opposition Congress has been organising ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ (Save Constitution) campaign in the northeastern states. Claiming that the Constitution is in danger under the BJP-led Central government, the opposition Congress held a massive rally in Agartala on Tuesday.
RSS chief Bhagwat meets PM Modi after security huddle: Signs of a hard-hitting response in the works
In a significant political development, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday evening.
What PM Modi's free hand to armed forces against terror means for cross-border action?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unambiguous message during a high-level security meeting - ‘India is determined to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism’ - marks more than just a strong statement of resolve.
Justice BR Gavai appointed as next Chief Justice of India
Justice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 29, 2019. Appointed as Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003, he became a permanent Judge in November 2005.
Three more Bangladeshi nationals held in Tripura
The Tripura Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday apprehended three Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, for illegally entering India, officials said.