Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday praised US President-elect Donald Trump as an “intelligent and experienced” politician capable of finding “solutions,” as tensions between Moscow and the West ramp up over the war in Ukraine.

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Keith Kellogg, a former national security adviser and retired lieutenant general in the US military, to be special envoy to Ukraine and Russia in his second administration. Kellogg is likely to be at the centre of negotiations to end the ongoing war in Ukraine, should Russia and Ukraine agree to take part.

The retired Army lieutenant general could play a key role in any negotiations to end the yearslong war between the countries.

Donald Trump may be more likely to get a peace deal from Russia if he places Ukraine in a position of strength, according to analysts. The President-elect has said his priority is to end the war in Ukraine and stop what he believes is a drain on US military resources.

Putin called Trump "a smart and experienced person," who can find "a solution" to the Ukraine war. Trump previously vowed to end the war in 24 hours.

CNN's Nick Paton Walsh has written a lengthy analysis of President-elect Donald Trump's decision to appoint Ret. Gen. Keith Kellogg to be his special envoy to Russia and Ukraine. Walsh's conclusion after reviewing Kellogg's plans for ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is that "Putin may revel in" what's about to come from the second