Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated President-elect Donald Trump for his victory in this week’s election.
Putin made the comments on Thursday at an international forum at the Valdai Discussion Club, held at a resort on the Black Sea in Sochi.
″I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election as president of the United States of America,” Putin told the audience.
Not only did Putin congratulate Trump at the forum, but the Russian leader heaped praise on Trump as a businessman and political leader.
He called Trump a man who can “prove” himself in “extraordinary circumstance,” citing his resilience after being shot in the ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Putin, who in his remarks recalled Trump “raising his fist” and “calling to fight for [his supporters’] shared ideals,” said the moment “left an impression” on him.
It’s a direct reversal of the Russian government’s tepid response in the hours immediately following Trump’s victory when Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov alluded to animosity possibly preventing communication.
“I’m not aware of any plans by the president to congratulate Trump,” said Peskov, according to a translation from the Moscow Times. “Let’s not forget that we’re talking about an unfriendly country that’s both directly and indirectly involved in a war against our nation.”
The sudden pivot to affection is undoubtedly linked to the role Trump will play in overseeing peace talks between Ukraine and Russia when he enters office in January.
Trump has kept secret the specifics of his peace proposal ideas as he aims to make good on the campaign promise of ending the Russian invasion on Day One of his presidency.
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Ukrainian President Zelensky, in contrast to Putin’s hot-and-cold treatment, was immediate in his positivity toward the coming Trump administration.
Zelensky spoke glowingly of Trump on Wednesday following their first postelection phone call, praising his “tremendous campaign” that “made this result possible.”
“I praised his family and team for their great work,” the Ukrainian leader said via social media. “We agreed to maintain close dialogue and advance our cooperation. Strong and unwavering U.S. leadership is vital for the world and for a just peace.”