Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s “extravagant” behavior is part of getting his message “through to voters’ hearts.”
{mosads}”He has chosen a method to get through to voters’ hearts,” Putin said during an annual speech at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi.
“[Trump] behaves extravagantly, of course. We see this, but I think there’s a reason for this. He represents part of U.S. society that’s tired of having the elite in power for decades,” the Russian leader added.
Throughout the presidential campaign, the Republican nominee has been accused by his opponent, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, of being overly friendly with Putin.
Trump has previously expressed admiration for the Russian president, stating that Putin has been a much more effective leader for his country than President Obama has been for the U.S.
Trump has also articulated a diplomatically warm foreign policy approach toward Russia, arguing for improved bilateral relations between the two superpowers.
While Putin dismissed speculations that he prefers Trump to Clinton, he added that Moscow “welcomes statements that U.S.-Russian relations should be improved from anyone.”
In the same speech, Putin dismissed accusations that the Kremlin is actively attempting to interfere in the U.S. election in November.
The U.S. intelligence community has charged that Moscow was behind the hacking of Democratic officials and party groups.