**Putin Congratulates Trump on Election Victory, Praises His Courage During Assassination Attempt**

In his first public statement since the U.S. presidential election, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his congratulations to Donald Trump on Thursday following Trump's electoral victory. Speaking at an international forum in Sochi, the Black Sea resort, Putin lauded Trump's bravery during a July assassination attempt, calling it highly impressive. "His behavior at the moment of an attempt on his life left an impression on me. He turned out to be a brave man," Putin remarked. He further emphasized, "He manifested himself in the very correct way, bravely as a man."

Additionally, Putin addressed Trump's intentions regarding U.S.-Russia relations, saying that Trump’s expressed desire to restore good relations and aid in resolving the Ukrainian crisis "deserves attention at least." The Kremlin has previously expressed interest in Trump's assertion that he could negotiate an end to the Ukrainian conflict within 24 hours, though they have called for action to follow these claims.

During a question-and-answer session at the Sochi conference, Putin again congratulated Trump, stating, "I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election as president of the United States of America." When asked about his expectations for a second Trump administration, Putin candidly admitted, "I don't know what will happen now. I have no idea." He pointed out that with Trump entering what is constitutionally his last term, future actions will be up to the U.S. leader. Putin, who began his fifth term in office this year, noted that he will remain in power until at least 2030, with the possibility of seeking another six-year term thereafter.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on the potential for communication between Putin and Trump before the latter's inauguration, mentioning that Trump has expressed a plan to call Putin. However, Peskov clarified that Russia continues to view the U.S. as an "unfriendly" nation, deeply involved in the Ukrainian conflict. He argued that despite the likelihood of strained ties, the ultimate responsibility to alter the current state of U.S.-Russia relations lies with the incoming American administration.

The Kremlin's cautious response underscores its perception of the U.S. election as a difficult choice between two undesirable outcomes. Despite Trump's known admiration for Putin, the Russian president stressed that the former U.S. administration had imposed numerous sanctions and restrictions against Russia, surpassing those enacted by any previous U.S. leader.