Trump Putin praise/ assassination attempts/ U.S.-Russia relations/ Ukraine war/ Donald Trump safety concerns/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Russian President Vladimir Putin praised President-elect Donald Trump as “intelligent” and “experienced,” while expressing concerns for his safety after two assassination attempts earlier this year. Putin also signaled optimism about improving U.S.-Russia relations under Trump’s leadership, amid heightened tensions over Ukraine.
Putin’s Remarks on Trump: Quick Looks
- Putin’s Praise: Called Trump “intelligent” and “experienced,” expressing confidence in his leadership.
- Safety Concerns: Noted Trump remains at risk after surviving two assassination attempts.
- U.S.-Russia Relations: Hopes for improved ties once Trump assumes office in January.
- Ukraine Tensions: Warned the U.S. against escalating the conflict with long-range missile supplies.
- Historical Context: Criticized U.S. election tactics as “uncivilized” and compared them unfavorably to Russian practices.
Putin Calls Trump ‘Intelligent’ Amid Assassination Concerns
Deep Look: Putin Praises Trump, Raises Safety Concerns Amid Assassination Threats
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised President-elect Donald Trump as a “smart” and “experienced” leader on Thursday, while voicing concerns about his safety following two assassination attempts earlier this year. Speaking to reporters in Kazakhstan, Putin expressed optimism about U.S.-Russia relations under Trump’s presidency but highlighted ongoing tensions over Ukraine.
Putin’s Comments on Trump’s Leadership
“The newly elected president is an intelligent and already quite experienced person. I think he will find a solution,” Putin said, hinting at potential diplomatic breakthroughs once Trump returns to the Oval Office.
Putin congratulated Trump on his election victory earlier this month, signaling readiness for talks with the incoming administration. The two leaders have reportedly communicated multiple times since Trump left office in 2021.
Safety Concerns for the President-elect
Putin raised alarm over threats to Trump’s life, referencing the two assassination attempts earlier this year. In July, Trump was shot in the ear during a rally in Pennsylvania, an attack that left one attendee dead and two others injured. The shooter was killed by authorities.
A second attempt occurred in September while Trump was golfing in Florida. The suspect was arrested and pleaded not guilty to federal charges.
“By the way, in my opinion, he is not safe now,” Putin warned, adding that U.S. history has seen “various incidents” of political violence. Putin described the treatment of Trump as “revolting” and claimed that even “bandits” in Russia wouldn’t behave that way.
Ukraine Conflict Escalation
Putin’s remarks come amid heightened tensions in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. This week, Russia launched a strike on energy infrastructure in western Ukraine, leaving over 1 million people without power. Meanwhile, the Biden administration approved Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles inside Russia, a move the Kremlin condemned as a “spiral of escalation.”
Trump has pledged to end the Ukraine war within “24 hours” if elected, though he has not provided specifics on how he would achieve this. Critics have questioned his warm tone toward Putin, whom he once called a “genius” after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
A Shift in Tone Toward the U.S.?
Putin’s optimism about Trump’s presidency reflects a notable shift from the Kremlin’s tense relationship with Biden’s administration. However, the Russian president’s comments also criticized U.S. political tactics, labeling them “uncivilized” and singling out personal attacks on Trump’s family by his opponents.
Challenges Ahead for U.S.-Russia Relations
While Putin expressed hope for improved relations under Trump, significant challenges remain, particularly regarding Ukraine. Trump’s approach to Russia and his alignment with Putin’s rhetoric could further strain U.S. alliances in Europe.
With conflict escalating in Ukraine and geopolitical tensions high, the relationship between Trump and Putin will likely remain under scrutiny as the president-elect prepares to assume office in January.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.