Donald Trump received praise from Moscow Friday after detailing his foreign policy strategy in a widely publicized live address.
The GOP front-runner remarked in his speech Thursday afternoon that he would ease tensions with Russia "from a position of strength" to improve relations with President Vladimir Putin.
"Some say the Russians won’t be reasonable. I intend to find out," Trump said during his speech in Washington, D.C. "If we can’t make a deal under my administration, a deal that’s great—not good, great—for America, but also good for Russia, then we will quickly walk from the table. It’s as simple as that. We’re going to find out."
While pundits in the U.S. took Trump’s speech to task for its inconsistency and ambiguity, Russians in Moscow’s Red Square hailed the businessman for his willingness to work with the Kremlin government, CNN reported.
"First of all, Trump is a positive guy and he spoke about Putin in a good way. He wants positive changes in America," a passerby told CNN.
Another touted his "willingness for a breakthrough in relations with Russia," adding that while the strained relationship may not be eased "at least there will be a dialogue."
Trump has not shied away from his praise of Putin throughout his campaign, touting him as world leader he would "get along very well with."
In December, Putin complimented Trump as "bright and talented," naming him "the absolute leader of the presidential race." Trump called the praise a "great honor" and later said he liked Putin "because he called me a genius. He said Trump is the real leader."
CNN has repeatedly dubbed the relationship a "bromance" and Trump’s Republican presidential opponent Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) has used the opportunity to attack the front-runner for acting cordial toward a "bully and a dictator."
Mitt Romney, who called Russia the U.S.’s greatest enemy during his failed presidential bid, has also been critical of Trump’s praise for Putin.
Important distinction: thug Putin kills journalists and opponents; our presidents kill terrorists and enemy combatants.
— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) December 18, 2015