On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his congratulations to Donald Trump on his victory in the US presidential election. Speaking at the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi, Putin remarked, “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election as President of the United States. I have already said that we will work with any head of state that the American people trust.”
Putin praised Trump’s resilience, noting he was “impressed” by Trump’s response to two assassination attempts earlier this year, describing the president-elect as a “courageous man.” He further noted that Trump faced significant challenges during his first term, feeling “hounded” and “afraid to take a step” due to constant pressure.
The Kremlin did not rule out the possibility of a meeting between Putin and Trump prior to Trump’s January inauguration.
Trump, the Republican candidate, defeated Democratic opponent and Vice President Kamala Harris, amassing an impressive 295 Electoral College votes, well above the 270 needed to secure the presidency. This victory grants Trump a second and final term as president.
