Putin calls Trump 'courageous,' says he's willing to talk to him about Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin described President-elect Donald Trump as a "courageous" man who was "hounded from all sides" during the presidential campaign and congratulated him on his electoral victory.

"He behaved, in my opinion, in a very correct way, courageously, like a real man," Putin said on Thursday, according to Reuters. "I take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election."

Putin also said he is ready to speak to Trump about the war in Ukraine. 

"What was said about the desire to restore relations with Russia, to bring about the end of the Ukrainian crisis, in my opinion this deserves attention at least," said Putin.

Biden and Putin have not talked for about a two-year period.

As a presidential candidate, Trump, a former president, said he would be able to end the war in Ukraine as president-elect before he officially takes office.