Putin may indeed relate to the populist strength exhibited by Donald Trump, and there’s good reason to consider Trump and Putin to be equitable adversaries.  However, any praise from Putin toward Donald Trump is more specifically targeted to further ridicule president Stompy Feet.

In alignment with many Americans, Valdimir Putin also despises radical Islam and views Recep Erdogan (Turkey) as a complete snake.

(Via BBC) […] The Russian president brushed off concerns about Mr Trump’s controversial proposal to ban Muslims from the US.

He said Russia was ready to work with whoever was elected the next president.

“It is not our business to determine his merits, that is up to US voters,” Mr Putin told reporters after his annual televised news conference. “But he is the absolute leader in the presidential race.”

“He is a very outstanding person, talented, without any doubt.” (link)

Donald Trump responds: “It is always a great honor to be so nicely complimented by a man so highly respected within his own country and beyond.”