In an interview that comes days before his meeting with US President Joe Biden, Russian President Vladimir Putin complimented Donald Trump and the evolution the bilateral relationship had made during his four years in office.
“Well even now, I believe that former US President Mr. Trump is an extraordinary individual, a talented individual, otherwise he would not have become US President,” Putin told NBC News.
“He is a colorful individual. You may like him or not. And, but he didn’t come from the US establishment. He had not been part of big-time politics before, and some like it some don’t like it but that is a fact.”
The Russian President went on to compare the two American presidents, describing Biden as “radically different” and “a career man.”
“He has spent virtually his entire adulthood in politics. That’s a different kind of person, and it is my great hope that, yes, there are some advantages, some disadvantages, but there will not be any impulse-based movements on behalf of the sitting US President.”
The first face-to-face meeting between Biden and Putin is expected for June 16 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Trump offered his successor “good luck” wishes ahead of the historic summit.
“Good luck to Biden in dealing with President Putin,” Trump said Thursday. “Don’t fall asleep during the meeting, and please give him my warmest regards.”
