[Russian President Vladimir Putin Praises Trump as “Intelligent and Experienced” Amid Rising Tensions Over Ukraine Conflict
Speaking to reporters in Kazakhstan, Putin castigated President Joe Biden for creating “additional difficulties” for the incoming Trump administration, citing Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to fire longer-range American missiles, called ATACMS, at targets deep inside Russia. Putin threatened to strike Ukraine again with a nuclear-capable ballistic missile, called “Oreshnik,” following Moscow’s widespread overnight attack targeting critical energy infrastructure facilities.
Putin’s comments come amid rising tensions between Moscow and the West over the war in Ukraine, with the Russian president accusing Biden of “escalating” the conflict by allowing Ukraine to fire ATACMS at military targets in Russia. Putin suggested that Trump, who has pledged to end the war in Ukraine “within 24 hours,” without specifying how, may find a solution to the conflict.
Trump has faced two assassination attempts during his presidential campaign, and Putin expressed concern that the president-elect is not currently safe due to the “absolutely uncivilized means of struggle” used against him. Putin also criticized the “humiliating, unfounded judicial procedures” to which Trump was “subjected” during the campaign, in which he was convicted of a felony for falsifying business records.
Putin’s comments come as Trump has nominated General Keith Kellogg to be special envoy to the warring countries, and the incoming president has pledged to “secure peace through strength and make America and the world safe again.” Trump’s nomination of Kellogg has been met with criticism from some who argue that the general has no experience in diplomacy or international relations.
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