According to CNN, on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised US President-elect Donald Trump as a "smart and experienced" politician who can find "solutions." Putin also condemned Biden for creating "additional difficulties" for the incoming Trump administration because Biden allowed Ukraine to launch US-made ATACMS long-range missiles at targets in Russia. When asked whether Biden's decision would affect future relations between Russia and the United States, Putin said that the situation might improve after Trump takes office in January next year. Putin also said that Trump had overcome the "severe test" of returning to the White House, referring to the two assassination attempts Trump suffered during the campaign. Putin said that "absolutely uncivilized means of struggle" were used against Trump more than once, adding that he was worried that Trump was not safe at the moment. Speaking about the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Putin threatened to launch more of Russia's new medium-range ballistic missiles, warning: "We will use the means at our disposal." "It is not ruled out that the "Hazel" missiles will be used against the Ukrainian army, military-industrial facilities or decision-making centers, including in Kiev, because the Kiev authorities continue to try to attack our important facilities today."
