Why Trump Publicly Praises Putin for 'Great Move' on US Sanctions

president-elect Donald Trump

Adding more embarrassment to President Barack Obama's final weeks in office, president-elect Donald Trump is now praising Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to hold off on retaliation over the new sanctions.

Trump also asserted on Twitter that he "always knew" that the Russian president is "very smart." The tweet was then pinned to the top of his Twitter timeline, and retweeted by the US Russian embassy. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 30, 2016

The lack of conflict between the two leaders has already shocked many in the US, as both parties seem eager to work towards a better relationship.

On Thursday, the US sanctioned six Russian individuals, including the head of Russia's Main Intelligence Directorate, as well as five entities.