Overview

• Russian President Vladimir Putin praised U.S. President Donald Trump in a state television interview, highlighting his leadership style and contrasting it with former President Joe Biden.
• Putin claimed Trump would quickly establish control over European elites, whom he described as historically deferential to U.S. influence.
• The Russian leader emphasized Trump’s differing views on issues like gender politics and hailed past German leaders for their independence from U.S. directives.
• While Trump has repeatedly announced plans for a meeting with Putin to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, no date has been set for such talks.
• Putin reiterated his willingness to resume contact with Trump, referencing their prior relationship during Trump’s first term in office.