Putin congratulates Trump, signals openness to dialogue over U.S.-Russia relations

In his first public statement following the U.S. presidential election, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his congratulations to Donald Trump on his victory. Speaking at an international forum held in Sochi, Putin expressed a willingness to work with the new American administration and indicated a hopeful outlook for future relations between the two countries.

Addressing the audience, Putin said, “What was said in the desire to…