It was the question everyone was asking the morning after. As world leaders from London to Jerusalem scrambled to get their official statements out, one massive, looming silence sat right in the middle of the map. Moscow was quiet. Kinda weird, right? Given the history and the headlines, you’d think a phone call would’ve happened before the coffee was even brewed. But it didn't work like that.
Honestly, the timeline of whether Vladimir Putin congratulated Donald Trump on his 2024 victory is a masterclass in geopolitical theater. It wasn’t a quick telegram or a polite tweet. It was a slow-burn move that kept the world guessing for nearly forty-eight hours.
The Big Wait: Why the Kremlin Stayed Silent
When the race was called, the first reaction from the Kremlin was basically a cold shoulder. Dmitry Peskov, the longtime spokesperson for Putin, told reporters point-blank that he wasn't aware of any plans for the President to congratulate Trump. He actually called the U.S. an "unfriendly country" that is directly involved in a war against Russia.
That’s a heavy vibe.
For the first full day, while leaders like Macron and Zelenskyy were making nice, Russia played hard to get. They wanted to make sure everyone knew they weren't desperate for a seat at the table. It was a total power play. They were judging Trump by his future "actions" rather than just the campaign trail talk.
✨ Don't miss: Election Where to Watch: How to Find Real-Time Results Without the Chaos
The Sochi Moment: Putin Finally Speaks
The ice didn't break until Thursday, November 7, 2024. Putin was at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, which is basically his favorite place to air grievances and drop major news. He didn't issue a formal press release. Instead, he waited for the question-and-answer session.
"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election," Putin said. Just like that, the "did he or didn't he" mystery was solved. But he didn't stop at a simple congrats.
He went deep into why he was impressed by Trump. He specifically brought up the July assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. Putin called Trump a "brave man" and said he was "shocked" by how Trump’s family was treated during the campaign. He used words like "courageous" and said Trump acted "like a man" under fire. This wasn't just diplomacy; it was a very specific type of flattery aimed at Trump’s self-image.
What about Ukraine and the "24-Hour" Peace?
One of the biggest reasons this congratulatory message mattered so much was the war in Ukraine. During his campaign, Trump famously claimed he could end the conflict in 24 hours. Most experts think that’s basically impossible, but Putin seems to think the intent is what matters.
🔗 Read more: Daniel Blank New Castle PA: The Tragic Story and the Name Confusion
Putin noted that Trump’s desire to restore relations and end the "Ukrainian crisis" (as he calls it) deserves "attention at least."
The Real Friction Points
- Sanctions: Putin hasn't forgotten that during Trump's first term, there were a massive amount of restrictions placed on Russia.
- Dialogue: Russia is ready to talk, but they want it to be on their terms—meaning Ukraine stays out of NATO.
- The "Unfriendly" Label: Despite the nice words in Sochi, the official Russian stance remains that the U.S. is a strategic adversary.
Comparing 2016 to 2024
The difference between these two elections is night and day. Back in 2016, the Russian Duma (their parliament) literally broke into applause when they heard Trump won. This time around? The mood was way more cynical.
In 2016, Putin sent a formal telegram almost immediately. In 2024, he waited, let his spokesperson talk about "unfriendly nations," and then dropped a casual mention at a forum. It shows that Russia is much more guarded now. They've seen how U.S. politics can shift, and they aren't putting all their eggs in one basket anymore.
The "Lunch" Comment
There was also this weirdly funny moment involving Kamala Harris. During the campaign, she had warned that Putin would "eat Trump for lunch." When asked about this, Peskov gave a very Russian response: "Putin does not eat people."
💡 You might also like: Clayton County News: What Most People Get Wrong About the Gateway to the World
It’s that kind of dry, slightly dark humor that defines the current state of U.S.-Russia relations. Everything is a jab, even the congratulations.
What’s Next for the Two Leaders?
So, did Putin congratulate Trump? Yes. Does it mean we’re entering a new era of world peace? Not necessarily.
The next few months are going to be a chess match. Trump has hinted he'll talk to Putin soon, and Putin has said he’s "ready." But there’s a massive gap between a polite "congrats" and actually signing a peace treaty that works for both Washington and Moscow.
Actionable Insights for Following This Story:
If you want to keep tabs on how this relationship actually evolves, don't just look at the headlines. Watch these three specific things:
- The First Official Call: When it happens, look for who "initiated" it. The Kremlin loves to brag when the other side calls first.
- The NATO Rhetoric: If Trump starts pressuring European allies to take over the bill for Ukraine, watch for Putin to soften his tone even more.
- Sanction Adjustments: Watch for small, quiet movements in trade or energy sanctions. That’s where the real deals happen.
The Sochi speech was a start, but in the world of high-stakes politics, "congratulations" is usually just the first move in a very long game.