TL;DR
Vladimir Putin has generally expressed a preference for working with Donald Trump due to perceived mutual diplomatic alignment, especially regarding Ukraine.
Key Points
He praised the former US President’s peace efforts in October 2025, suggesting they were unjustly overlooked for a Nobel prize.
Following a telephone call initiated by Trump in December 2025, both leaders agreed to establish two working groups on security and economic matters.
During the 2016 election cycle and his subsequent presidency, Trump was noted for refusing to criticize the Russian leader and making claims of moral equivalence regarding US actions.
Summary
Vladimir Putin has expressed a relationship with Donald Trump that often appears more constructive and business-like than that between the Kremlin and subsequent US administrations. During their direct interactions, such as a lengthy telephone conversation initiated by Trump in late 2025, both leaders reportedly shared a 'broadly similar view' on complex international issues like the Ukrainian conflict, aiming for a political and diplomatic settlement. Putin praised Trump’s efforts to resolve complex crises, even suggesting his efforts in peacemaking were undervalued by awarding bodies. This perception of alignment on key geopolitical issues has often resulted in the Russian leader viewing the former US President favorably as a potential negotiating partner.
However, the relationship is also marked by differing interpretations and strategic outcomes. While one analysis suggested Trump essentially advanced the Kremlin’s narrative without Putin needing to exert much effort during a 2018 summit, suggesting a dynamic where Trump favored Putin's framing on issues like Ukraine and Crimea, concrete long-term agreements have remained elusive. Furthermore, in the context of the Ukrainian conflict, reports indicated that Putin had recently rejected Trump's 'generous peace terms' by escalating military action, suggesting a transactional view where Russian actions depend on perceived US resolve rather than personal rapport. Therefore, the position is one of preference for Trump’s style of engagement over confrontation, yet subject to pragmatic geopolitical realities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vladimir Putin has publicly praised Donald Trump’s efforts toward resolving complex international crises, such as in Gaza and Ukraine, despite Trump not receiving a Nobel Peace Prize. He noted that Trump is 'really doing a lot' to resolve long-standing issues. However, this praise is tempered by the reality that tangible diplomatic progress, particularly regarding Ukraine, remains subject to negotiation and Russian acceptance.
Yes, the position appears to have an element of evolution based on perceived results and the broader geopolitical context. While there was a period where Trump seemed favored as a negotiating partner leading to mutual understandings, recent reporting suggests Putin rejected Trump's peace proposals related to the Ukrainian conflict by escalating military action. The sentiment seems to shift between personal preference for the former US leader and strategic calculation based on US policy actions.
Yes, an aide to the President confirmed a telephone conversation between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump took place on December 28, 2025, at the initiative of the American side. The discussion focused on the Ukrainian conflict and resulted in an agreement to continue efforts via two specially established working groups. The leaders also agreed to speak again shortly after Trump's meeting with the Ukrainian delegation.
Sources5
Commentary by Aide to the President Yury Ushakov following the telephone conversation between Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump
Putin praises Trump's peace efforts, despite failure to win Nobel prize
Putin didn't have to push the Kremlin's narrative. Trump did it for him.
Putin rejected Trump's generous deal. Time to try peace through strength.
Russia: Trump & His Team's Ties | Representative Swalwell
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.