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Trump praises 'very smart' Putin after decision not to expel US diplomats

Donald Trump has appeared to praise President Vladimir Putin for not expelling US diplomats from Russia.

Hours after Mr Putin said he would not retaliate to Barack Obama's decision to throw 35 Russian officials out of the US over allegations of hacking, Mr Trump tweeted: "Great move on delay (by V. Putin) - I always knew he was very smart!"

Putin has said he hopes when President-elect Trump takes office, Moscow and Washington will be able to take "real steps" to improve relations between the two countries.

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Trump to meet intelligence leaders over Russian expulsions

Donald Trump has previously dismissed claims Russian cyber-hackers had interfered with the US election process. Credit: Reuters

US President-elect Donald Trump has said he will meet with intelligence leaders next week to get the "facts of the situation" that led the Obama administration to expel 35 Russian diplomats in the wake of cyber attacks related to the US election.

The statement from Mr Trump urged America to "move on to bigger and better things" but confirmed he would meet security officials "in the interest of our country and its great people".

It's time for our country to move on to bigger and better things. Nevertheless, in the interest of our country and its great people, I will meet with leaders of the intelligence community next week in order to be updated on the facts of this situation.

– President-elect Donald Trump

The Kremlin has warned the expulsion may lead to retaliatory actions.

Mr Trump has previously dismissed as "ridiculous" claims Russian cyber-hackers had interfered with the US election process.

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Trump praises 'very smart' Putin after decision not to expel US diplomats

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