During a press conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered unexpectedly positive remarks about U.S. President Donald Trump. When asked about the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, Putin caught many by surprise by highlighting Trump’s role in resolving international conflicts.
“I’m not the one to decide if the current U.S. president deserves a Nobel Prize or not, but he indeed does a lot in resolving complex crises that have been ongoing for decades,” Putin stated, hinting at an unusual camaraderie between historically opposed world powers.
Surprising Praise and a Nod to Middle East Efforts
Putin elaborated further, emphasizing that Trump is “definitely making efforts, definitely working on these issues. Issues to achieve peace and resolve complex international situations.” He cited the Middle East as a prime example.
Criticism of the Nobel Committee
Not limiting his remarks to praise, the Russian leader also criticized the Nobel Committee, questioning the coherence and legitimacy of some of its decisions. “There have been instances where the Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to individuals who did nothing for peace,” he commented with apparent sarcasm. Although he did not directly mention María Corina Machado, his words were interpreted by some analysts as a veiled critique of this year’s announcement.
In a show of implicit support for Trump, Putin concluded by saying, “If his plan for Gaza materializes, we’ll have to see if a Nobel is worthy of such an event,” calling it a “historic” possibility.
Trump quickly responded on Truth Social with, "Thank you, President Putin!" accompanied by the Russian leader’s statement.
Russia’s Unmistakable Support for Trump
These remarks came shortly after Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s advisor on international policy, publicly stated that Moscow would support awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Trump. “I think at this moment, Russia would support it if asked,” Ushakov mentioned at the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit, as reported by EFE.
This verbal backing aligns with a broader strategy by Moscow to recalibrate its alliances and influence on the global stage through carefully calculated gestures.
In addition to tackling the Middle East conflict, Trump has sought to end the war in Ukraine. Since taking office, he has maintained consistent communication with both Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, although these efforts have yet to yield conclusive results.
A Diplomatic Dance Amid Global Tensions
Putin’s comments on Trump have been seen by some analysts as more than mere diplomatic pleasantries. They represent a calculated move in a context of global tension and realignment, where Moscow appears ready to acknowledge unexpected allies if it aids their strategic goals.
By highlighting Trump’s “dedication” to peace and questioning the Nobel Committee’s choices, Putin challenges the motivations of the Norwegian Committee and positions Trump—a sitting president—as a legitimate actor on the global diplomatic stage.
Up to the time of publication, Trump had not commented on Machado’s award. However, Steven Cheung, White House Communications Director and adviser to the U.S. president, criticized the Nobel institution, declaring that “the Nobel Committee has shown it prioritizes politics over peace.”
“President Trump will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives. He has the heart of a humanitarian, and there will never be anyone like him who can move mountains with sheer willpower,” Cheung wrote on X.
The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for María Corina Machado
This year, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan leader María Corina Machado, a prominent figure in opposing the regime of Nicolás Maduro. According to the Norwegian Academy’s announcement, Machado was recognized for her “fight for the rights of the people of Venezuela and for democracy.”
The Nobel’s official X account highlighted that she “has led the struggle for democracy against the ever-expanding authoritarianism in Venezuela.” Her role in initiatives like "Súmate," promoting free and transparent elections, and the Atenea Foundation, focused on developing democratic leadership, was also noted.
Although barred from running in Venezuela’s presidential elections by the government, Machado has continued to lead the democratic opposition both inside and outside the country, becoming a symbol of resistance for millions of Venezuelans.
Insights on the Nobel Peace Prize Controversy
Why did Putin praise Trump's efforts for peace?
Putin acknowledged Trump's attempts to resolve long-standing international crises, particularly in the Middle East, as significant efforts toward global peace.
What criticisms did Putin express about the Nobel Committee?
Putin criticized the Nobel Committee for awarding the Peace Prize to individuals who, according to him, have not contributed to peace, thereby damaging the prize's prestige.
Who is María Corina Machado and why was she awarded the Nobel Peace Prize?
María Corina Machado is a leading opposition figure in Venezuela, recognized for her fight for Venezuelan rights and democracy, defying the authoritarian regime of Nicolás Maduro.