ASTANA, Kazakhstan – Russian President Vladimir Putin took the opportunity on Thursday, November 28, 2024, to commend U.S. President-elect Donald Trump as “smart and experienced” while raising concerns about his safety, citing past assassination attempts during the election campaign.
Speaking at a security summit in the Kazakh capital of Astana, Putin also criticised President Joe Biden for escalating tensions in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Putin described Trump as a “clever and cautious man” who has proven his resilience by overcoming significant challenges to return to power.
“What struck me the most is not that Donald Trump was faced with uncivilised means—including assassination attempts—more than once,” Putin said, referencing a July incident in Pennsylvania where Trump was injured during an attack at a rally.
“By the way, in my view, even now he’s not safe,” Putin warned, suggesting that ongoing threats against Trump persist.
Criticism of Biden, Praise for Trump
While expressing optimism about Trump’s ability to “come up with a solution” to the war in Ukraine, Putin took a swipe at the Biden administration.
He accused Biden of creating “additional difficulties” for the incoming Trump administration by approving Ukraine’s use of U.S.-made ATACMS missiles, which have been deployed to strike targets inside Russia.
Putin’s comments reflect a marked contrast in tone between his approach to Trump and his critique of Biden.
The Russian president labelled the judicial processes Trump faced during his campaign as “humiliating and unfounded,” claiming that such treatment of Trump’s family, including his children, was “revolting” and beneath even Russian criminal standards.
“Even Russian bandits wouldn’t stoop so low,” Putin remarked, according to Reuters.
Trump meets Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky at Trump Tower in New York, September 27. 2024. | Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
Trump’s Position on Ukraine
Trump has repeatedly pledged to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of his inauguration, though he has not elaborated on how he plans to achieve such a resolution.
Putin appeared to express faith in Trump’s potential to broker peace, acknowledging the “serious test” Trump faced in his return to the White House.
Trump’s warm relationship with Putin during his previous administration has led to speculation about how his presidency might impact U.S. support for Ukraine.
Critics worry that a shift in U.S. policy could embolden Moscow, while supporters argue that Trump’s direct approach may bring an end to the protracted conflict.
Broader Context of Putin’s Comments
Putin’s remarks come amid heightened tensions in Ukraine, with Russia ramping up missile strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure following Kyiv’s use of ATACMS missiles.
Putin also hinted at the potential deployment of Russia’s new Oreshnik ballistic missile, capable of delivering nuclear payloads, as a response to ongoing military operations.
The Russian president’s history with eliminating political opponents adds weight to his warning about threats to Trump.
High-profile cases, including the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko in 2006 and the mysterious deaths of Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023 and opposition figure Alexei Navalny earlier this year, have drawn international scrutiny.
As Trump prepares to assume office in January, Putin’s comments underscore the complex and volatile dynamics shaping U.S.-Russia relations.
With the war in Ukraine showing no signs of abating, the global community will watch closely to see how the incoming Trump administration navigates the geopolitical landscape.
