Vladimir Putin devoted unusually complimentary words to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, during a press conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, this Friday.
When asked about the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, which was ultimately awarded to the Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, Putin surprised many by highlighting Trump's role in resolving international conflicts.
"It takes a long time to solve complex crises."
"I am not the one to decide whether the current president of the United States deserves a Nobel Prize or not, but he (Trump) really does a lot for the resolution of complex crises that last for decades," Putin stated, hinting at an unusual sympathy between leaders of historically opposing powers.
The Russian president went further by insisting that Trump “is definitely making an effort, he is definitely working on these issues. Issues aimed at achieving peace and resolving complex international situations.”
"The clearest example is the situation in the Middle East," he added.
Criticism of the Nobel Prize and indirect defense of Trump
The statements from the Russian leader were not limited to praise.
He also took the opportunity to launch a direct criticism of the Nobel Committee, questioning both the coherence of its decisions and the legitimacy of some of the laureates.
“There have been cases where the Committee has awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to individuals who have done nothing for peace,” he remarked with a bitter tone.
"In my opinion, these decisions have greatly harmed the prestige of the award,” he added.
Although he did not explicitly mention María Corina Machado, his words were interpreted by some analysts as an indirect devaluation of this year's announcement.
In an implicit show of support for the U.S. president, Putin concluded the matter by stating: "If their plan for Gaza is realized, we will have to see if the Nobel would be worthy of such an event." He described that possibility as "historic."
Trump has not hesitated to react on Truth Social with the phrase: "Thank you, President Putin!", a statement that he accompanied with the respective declaration from his Russian counterpart.
Russia had already shown its sympathy for Trump
The comments from the Russian president come just hours after his advisor on international policy, Yuri Ushakov, publicly stated that Moscow would support awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Trump.
“I believe that at this moment (Russia) would support her, if we were asked”, said Ushakov during the summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), according to the agency EFE.
This verbal support aligns with a stance that, while surprising on the diplomatic front, appears to be part of a broader strategy by Moscow to reconfigure its alliances and rebalance its global influence through carefully calculated gestures.
In addition to the conflict in the Middle East, since taking office, Donald Trump has sought to end the war in Ukraine.
With that motivation, Donald Trump has maintained systematic contacts with both Putin himself and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, although so far these efforts have not yielded definitive results.
A political backing that says more than it appears
Vladimir Putin's words about Donald Trump have been interpreted by some analysts as a mere diplomatic comment.
They represent a calculated gesture in a context of global tensions and realignments, where Moscow seems willing to recognize unexpected allies if it contributes to its strategic goals.
By highlighting Trump’s “dedication” to peace and criticizing the Nobel laureate’s trajectory, Putin calls into question the motivations of the Norwegian Committee and positions Trump - an incumbent president - as a legitimate player in the global diplomatic arena.
A wink that is neither naive nor innocent.
Until the closure of this note, Donald Trump has not commented on the award granted to María Corina Machado.
Nonetheless, Steven Cheung, director of Communications at the White House and advisor to the U.S. president, lashed out at the institution responsible for the award, stating that “the Nobel Committee showed that they prioritize politics over peace.”
"President Trump will continue to make peace agreements, ending wars and saving lives. He has the heart of a humanitarian, and there will never be anyone like him who can move mountains with the sheer strength of his will," Cheung wrote on X.
The Nobel 2025 for María Corina Machado
This year, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the Venezuelan leader María Corina Machado, one of the main opposition figures against Nicolás Maduro's regime.
According to the announcement from the Norwegian Academy, Machado was recognized for her "struggle for the rights of the people of Venezuela and for democracy."
The official Nobel account on X highlighted that the politician “has led the fight for democracy against the ever-expanding authoritarianism in Venezuela.”
His role in initiatives such as "Súmate," an organization that promotes free and transparent elections, and the Atenea Foundation, focused on the development of democratic leadership, was highlighted.
Machado was disqualified by the government from running in the Venezuelan presidential elections, but she has continued to lead the democratic opposition both domestically and internationally, becoming a symbol of resistance for millions of Venezuelans.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 and the relationship between Putin and Trump
Why did Vladimir Putin praise Donald Trump in connection with the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize?
Vladimir Putin praised Donald Trump for his role in resolving international conflicts, emphasizing his efforts on complex issues such as the situation in the Middle East. However, he also criticized the Nobel Committee, suggesting that the award has lost credibility by being given to individuals who, in his view, have not contributed to peace.
What was Donald Trump's reaction to not receiving the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize?
Donald Trump thanked Vladimir Putin for his supportive words through his Truth Social platform. Although he did not make direct comments about the Nobel decision, his administration, through Steven Cheung, criticized the Nobel Committee for prioritizing politics over peace.
Why was the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to María Corina Machado?
María Corina Machado was awarded for her "tireless work in promoting the democratic rights of the Venezuelan people and for her struggle to achieve a fair and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy." This recognition highlights her leadership in the opposition to Nicolás Maduro's regime.
How has the Nobel Prize influenced the political situation in Venezuela?
The Nobel Prize for María Corina Machado has been seen as an international endorsement of the Venezuelan opposition and its fight for democracy. It has increased the visibility of the situation in Venezuela and put pressure on Nicolás Maduro's regime, although it has also generated criticisms from leaders aligned with the Chavista government.
Filed under:
