Vladimir Putin praises ‘front-runner’ Donald Trump

It was not quite an endorsement, but Russian president Vladimir Putin has praised Donald Trump’s talents and lauded his calls for better ties with Russia.

Speaking to journalists after his annual, marathon news conference, Putin called Trump an “absolute front-runner” in the presidential race and a “bright and talented person”.

Putin said he “certainly welcomes” Trump’s calls for better US-Russia ties. Putin had said earlier he was ready to work with the eventual winner in the presidential race, and Trump has said he could work with Putin.