Putin Praises “Bright And Talented” Donald Trump

Russian president Vladimir Putin appeared to endorse Donald Trump in remarks made yesterday in Moscow. Via Politico:

According to an Interfax report of his annual year-end news conference, Putin called the Republican presidential candidate “a very bright and talented man,” as well as an “absolute leader” in the race for the presidency.

“He says that he wants to move to another level of relations, to a deeper level of relations with Russia. How can we not welcome that? Of course we welcome it,” Putin said, according to Reuters’ report.

The Russian president also said that it is none of his business “to assess tricks Donald Trump [is] using to boost his popularity,” according to Interfax. Trump has repeatedly praised the Russian leader’s toughness and said he would be able to cut deals with him.