Vladimir Putin has broken his silence following the US election and congratulated Donald Trump on his victory, hailing him as a “courageous man”. The Russian leader made his remarks during a speech at the Valdai Discussion Club on Thursday. Trump, the President-elect, responded briefly to Putin’s congratulatory message, stating simply: “I think we’ll speak.” Putin specifically praised Trump’s handling of an assassination attempt at a rally earlier this year, which left a strong impression on the Russian leader. Speaking at the Valdai club thinktank, Putin commended Trump’s courage during the i…
