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Topics: Vladimir Putin, News, Donald Trump, Russia, US News
Gerrard Kaonga
Topics: Vladimir Putin, News, Donald Trump, Russia, US News
Donald Trump argued that he should win the Nobel Peace prize, but following his loss Vladimir Putin has spoken out in his defense.
Donald Trump made it clear that he wanted to win the Nobel Peace Prize this year.
However, he would end up losing to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who has been an instrumental figure in working for democracy in Venezuela.
Now, while it is expected that many in Trump’s camp would argue this was an unfortunate upset that Trump should have won, a surprising supporter was Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
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Speaking on the topic on October 10, Putin praised Trump for his efforts to resolve crises around the world. Beyond this, he insisted that the award had ‘lost credibility'.
He added: “I don’t know whether the current US president deserves a Nobel Prize. But he’s truly doing a lot to resolve complex crises that last for years, even decades.
“He’s definitely trying, he’s definitely working on these issues, on achieving peace and resolving complex international situations. The most striking example is the situation in the Middle East. If Donald can achieve everything he’s strived for, everything he’s talked about and is trying to accomplish, it will be a historic event.
“But, I repeat, it is not for me to decide whether this is worthy of a prize or not, and whether this prize is worthy of achievements of this kind. That said, the credibility has largely been lost.”
Trump has not commented publicly about what Putin has said but he has issued a statement about losing out on the award.
Speaking in the White House he said: “The person who actually got the Nobel Prize called today, called me, and said 'I'm accepting this in honor of you, because you really deserved it.' A really nice thing to do.
"I didn't say, 'Then give it to me', though."
While many on social media have questioned Trump’s comments, Machado mentioned Trump in a tweet and praised the US president.
She wrote: “This recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans is a boost to conclude our task: to conquer Freedom.
“We are on the threshold of victory and today, more than ever, we count on President Trump, the people of the United States, the peoples of Latin America, and the democratic nations of the world as our principal allies to achieve Freedom and democracy.
“I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause!”