Putin says he’s ‘ready’ to pick up if ‘manly’ Trump calls him – POLITICO

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Donald Trump on his U.S. election victory, praising the Republican’s “manly” response to an attempted assassination — and saying he’s “ready” to speak with him.

“I take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election as president of the United States of America,” Putin said on Thursday at the annual meeting of the Valdai Club in Sochi, breaking his silence after initially choosing conspicuously to not send his well-wishes.

Putin confirmed he had yet to talk with Trump in the wake of his victory — but indicated that he’d pick up the phone if the U.S. president-elect called.