'Courageous man': Putin weighs in on Trump win, says he's ready to talk about Ukraine
USA TodayNOV 4 2024
Putin Praises 'Courageous' Trump, Says Russia is Ready for Dialogue
Above: Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin answers questions during the Valdai Discussion Club meeting in Sochi on November 7, 2024. Image copyright: Maxim Shipenkov/AFP/Contributor via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Preying on Trump's well-documented fondness for flattery, these compliments from Putin are carefully calibrated statements in the hope that he can secure the deal he wants over Ukraine.
Pro-Russia narrative
As the Russian president said, the country is open to dialogue and is prepared to settle the conflict by peaceful means. However, Russia's goals over security concerns have not changed.