Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday commended U.S. President-elect Donald Trump as an “intelligent and experienced” leader capable of resolving challenges, amid escalating tensions between Russia and the West over the Ukraine conflict.

Speaking at a press conference in Kazakhstan, Putin criticized outgoing President Joe Biden for exacerbating difficulties for Trump’s incoming administration. He pointed specifically to Biden’s decision to permit Ukraine to deploy long-range U.S.-made ATACMS missiles against targets deep within Russian territory.

The Russian leader also hinted at further military escalations, threatening to launch Russia’s nuclear-capable ballistic missile, “Oreshnik,” following widespread strikes on Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure on Wednesday night.

Addressing the potential impact of Biden’s actions on U.S.-Russia relations, Putin expressed optimism about future ties under Trump. “The newly elected president is an intelligent and experienced person. I believe he will find solutions,” Putin stated.

In stark contrast, Putin criticized Biden’s administration for “escalating” the war in Ukraine and enabling Kyiv to target Russian military sites. Trump, who has pledged to end the Ukraine conflict within 24 hours without specifying his approach, has refrained from explicitly supporting a Ukrainian victory during his campaign.

On Wednesday, Trump announced his nomination of Gen. Keith Kellogg as special envoy to mediate the Ukraine conflict. “Together, we will secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH and make America and the world safe again!” Trump declared on social media.

Putin also alluded to the challenges Trump faced during the election, including two alleged assassination attempts. Trump reportedly sustained injuries in an incident in Pennsylvania in July, while another armed individual was apprehended near Trump’s Florida golf course in September.

“These were absolutely uncivilized methods used against him,” Putin remarked, expressing concerns for Trump’s safety. He also criticized the legal challenges Trump faced, describing them as “humiliating and baseless.” Notably, Trump was convicted earlier this year on 34 counts of falsifying business records, becoming the first former U.S. president found guilty of a felony.

Regarding Ukraine, Putin warned of further potential strikes using the Oreshnik missile, which can carry multiple warheads, including nuclear payloads. “We do not rule out using Oreshnik against military, industrial facilities, or decision-making centers in Kyiv,” he stated, underscoring Russia’s readiness to respond to what he called provocative actions from Ukraine.