Putin congratulates Trump on 80th birthday, calls him 'brilliant'

Russian President Vladimir Putin extended birthday wishes to former U.S. President Donald Trump, describing him as a "brilliant and extraordinary person and politician" on the occasion of his 80th birthday. Putin's message, published on the Kremlin's website, suggested that relations between Russia and the United States could be elevated to a new level.

According to Putin's foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, the Russian president had a 55-minute informal phone call with Trump to convey his birthday greetings. Putin stated that he values the mutual understanding between them, which allows for open and sincere discussions on even the most complex issues on the bilateral and international agenda.

"I am confident that together we can sincerely give Russian-American relations a new dimension, and also do more to ensure security and stability on the world stage," Putin added. The leaders last met in person in August 2025 in Alaska, where they committed to working towards an agreement to end the conflict stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that has now lasted over four years.

The Kremlin's warm message to Trump, a figure often viewed critically in Western political circles, highlights a specific dynamic in Russian foreign policy, seeking potential avenues for improved relations with the U.S. through figures perceived as more amenable to dialogue.

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Siguran sam da zajedno možemo iskreno dati rusko-američkim odnosima novu dimenziju, a takođe učiniti više kako bismo osigurali bezbednost i stabilnost na svetskoj sceni