Putin expresses readiness for talks with Trump following US election victory

Russian President Vladimir Putin and President-elect Donald Trump both expressed their willingness to hold talks after Trump secured a victory in the U.S. presidential election, defeating Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris.

“I take this opportunity to congratulate him,” Putin stated during remarks at the Valdai forum in Sochi on Thursday.

Asked if he was open to discussions with Trump, Putin replied simply, “Ready.”

In an interview with NBC News, Trump also indicated a desire for dialogue, stating, “I think we’ll speak,” while noting that he had spoken to around 70 world leaders since his victory was announced.

However, he disclosed that he had not yet spoken with Putin, despite previous interactions between the two leaders.

Moscow’s preference for Trump has long been speculated, despite Putin’s public claim that he had hoped Harris would win.

Analysts have interpreted this statement with skepticism, pointing to Trump’s anti-establishment stance and the disruptions he has brought to U.S. and global politics as aligning with Russian interests.

A new book by investigative reporter Bob Woodward asserts that Trump and Putin communicated up to seven times during Joe Biden’s presidency and alleges that Trump sent the Russian leader scarce COVID-19 tests while in office.

Putin also praised Trump for his response during an assassination attempt at a rally earlier this year, calling the former president “courageous” and stating that he had revealed his true character in a moment of crisis.

“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.

Moscow has long been accused of interfering in the 2016 U.S. election to bolster Trump’s campaign, charges the Kremlin has consistently denied.