Putin congratulates Trump on his election victory

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory and praised his courage during an assassination attempt. Putin welcomed Trump’s desire to restore relations with Russia and end the Ukrainian crisis. He expressed uncertainty about what to expect from a second Trump administration. The Kremlin is open to contact between Putin and Trump before the inauguration and views the U.S. as an unfriendly country involved in the Ukrainian conflict. Despite Trump’s admiration for Putin, the Kremlin is cautious, noting the restrictions and sanctions imposed during Trump’s first term. Putin’s fifth term as president extends until 2030, with the possibility of seeking six more years in office.