President Vladimir Putin congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory Thursday, marking the Russian leader’s first public statement on the results of the U.S. election. Putin’s remarks followed a speech at an international forum in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election as president of the United States of America,” Putin said during a question-and-answer session.
Following Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election, Russia announced on Wednesday that it plans to engage with the incoming administration while “firmly upholding its national interests” and pursuing its objectives in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement that criticized the outgoing Biden administration, asserting that the U.S. “ruling political elite adheres to anti-Russia principles” and supports a policy aimed at “containing Moscow.”
Trump’s win marks a historical moment, making him the second U.S. president to serve two non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland, who held office in 1884 and 1892. According to projections by Fox News, Trump has secured 277 electoral votes, surpassing the 270 required to win the presidency.
Must Read: Russian President Vladimir Putin: BRICS Not an Anti-Western Group, Highlights Economic Prospects
