PREVIEW

Putin Calls Trump ‘Intelligent,’ Hints at Solutions Amid US-Russia Tensions Over Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin called US President-elect Donald Trump an “intelligent and experienced” leader, expressing confidence in his ability to find “solutions” to global challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking from Kazakhstan, Putin criticized outgoing President Joe Biden for exacerbating tensions by allowing Ukraine to use longer-range US missiles, known as ATACMS, to strike targets deep within Russia. Putin threatened further retaliation, including the use of Russia’s nuclear-capable Oreshnik ballistic missile, after Moscow’s widespread overnight attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Addressing future relations with the US, Putin suggested a shift could occur under Trump, stating, “I think he will find a solution,” contrasting with his criticism of Biden’s “escalation” tactics. Trump, who pledged during his campaign to end the war in Ukraine “within 24 hours” without detailing his plan, has nominated Gen. Keith Kellogg as a special envoy to mediate the conflict. Putin noted Trump’s resilience in overcoming two assassination attempts during the campaign, describing them as “absolutely uncivilized means of struggle.” The first attempt in July left Trump injured, while a second in September involved an armed man apprehended at one of Trump’s Florida golf courses, prompting Putin to voice concerns about the president-elect’s safety. Putin also condemned the legal challenges Trump faced during the campaign, including his conviction in June for falsifying business records, calling the judicial procedures “humiliating” and “unfounded.” On the war front, Putin warned that Russia’s new Oreshnik missile, capable of firing multiple warheads and delivering nuclear payloads, could target Ukraine’s military, infrastructure, and decision-making centers, including Kyiv. When asked about the nature of potential Kremlin targets, Putin offered a cryptic response, stating, “Today, during the day, anything is possible,” referencing an old Soviet-era joke about weather forecasts.
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