MOSCOW, Jan 24, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday praised Donald Trump as "pragmatic" and "smart", saying he did not believe the US president would force global oil prices lower in a bid to damage Moscow.

"He is not only a smart person, but a pragmatic person," Putin told state media. He said oil prices that were either "too high or "too low" were bad for both the Russian and American economies, adding: "I have a hard time imagining there will be decisions taken that are detrimental to the American economy."