NEW YORK -- Donald Trump reacted to Vladimir Putin’s unexpected endorsement on Thursday, stating he was “greatly honoured” by the backing of the Russian leader.
Speaking to Sean Hannity on Fox News, the Republican presidential frontrunner called the statement by the Russian president "great."
“It’s what should be happening,” Trump added. “His [Putin’s] dislike for Obama, and it’s mutual, is terrible. That’s why you see all the conflicts, all the problems, all the hatred.” He continued: “If we can’t work with Russia, that’s not a good thing. I’m greatly honoured by his statement, I think it’s terrific.”
Speaking after a press conference on Thursday, the Russian president hailed the billionaire tycoon as the “absolute leader in the presidential race.”
“He’s a very lively man, talented without doubt,” Putin added. “He’s saying he wants to go to another level of relations — closer, deeper relations with Russia. How can we not welcome that? Of course we welcome that.”
In October, Trump said he would “get along very well” with Putin, lauding the Russian leader for his military intervention in Syria.