Vladimir Putin says he is ready to speak with Donald Trump and congratulated him on his victory.

Relations between Russia and the US have hit a nadir after Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

He described Trump as a "brave man" and said that any ideas facilitating an end to the Ukraine crisis merited attention.

Putin often uses this language to mean giving him the land Russia has occupied in Ukraine since attacking on 24 February 2022.

Trump has previously threatened to cut aid for Ukraine - a vital source of support under Biden in defending itself from Russia's invasion. US arms and donations far outstrip any other ally.

Speaking at the Valdai discussion club in Sochi, Putin also said he was impressed by Trump's behaviour when surviving an assassination attempt at a rally in July.

He added he had the impression Trump was "bullied" during his first term.