'Courageous man': Putin weighs in on Trump win, says he's ready to talk about Ukraine
USA Today5 days
Putin Praises 'Courageous' Trump, Says Russia is Ready for Dialogue
Above: Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin answers questions during the Valdai Discussion Club meeting in Sochi on November 7, 2024. Image copyright: Maxim Shipenkov/AFP/Contributor via Getty Images
The Facts
Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin on Thursday congratulated Donald Trump on his re-election, praising him as courageous in the way he responded to an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
Speaking at a discussion forum in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, 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."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Preying on Trump's well-documented fondness for flattery, these compliments from Putin are carefully calibrated statements in the hope that he can secure the deal he wants over Ukraine.
Pro-Russia narrative
As the Russian president said, the country is open to dialogue and is prepared to settle the conflict by peaceful means. However, Russia's goals over security concerns have not changed.