Fri Nov 08 01:28:54 UTC 2024: ## Putin Congratulates Trump, Expresses Readiness for Dialogue
**Sochi, Russia** – Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended congratulations to Donald Trump on his election victory, expressing a willingness to engage with the United States. During a policy forum in Sochi on Thursday, Putin, responding to questions at the end of a lengthy speech, said, “I want to take this opportunity to congratulate [Trump] on his election as president of the United States.”
When asked by a moderator if he was prepared for discussions with Trump, Putin responded affirmatively, stating, “We are ready.” He claimed that Russia did not intentionally damage relations with the U.S. and is open to re-establishing them, but emphasized that the initiative lies with the Americans.
Commenting on Trump’s campaign promise to negotiate a quick end to the war in Ukraine, Putin said he was unsure what might come of the proposition, suggesting it requires careful consideration. Trump’s past criticisms of the substantial U.S. aid to Ukraine, exceeding $100 billion since Russia’s invasion in 2022, have fueled concerns in Kyiv and the European Union that Trump might impose a peace agreement heavily favoring Moscow.
Putin, however, cautioned that political forces in Washington had obstructed Trump’s attempts to improve ties with Moscow during his previous term. He also praised Trump for his actions during a shooting incident at a rally this summer, stating, “His behavior at the moment of an attempt on his life left an impression on me. He turned out to be a brave man.”
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