Putin’s U.S. Defenders admin, September 15, 2016July 7, 2024 The Progressive September 15, 2016 After experiencing decades of rightwing attacks for being “soft” on Moscow, progressives may be feeling a bit of whiplash as they witness prominent conservatives—with Donald Trump in the lead—heaping praise upon an autocratic Russian leader. Trump has praised President Vladimir Putin, a former KGB operative who tolerates little dissent, for his “very strong control over a country.” Putin has returned the favor by strongly endorsing Trump. Eastern Europe Elections Russia The Progressive not audio