Vladimir Putin says Donald Trump's victory gives him 'hope'

If there's one world leader who is absolutely delighted to see Donald Trump win the American presidential election it's Vladimir Putin.

The Russian president was the first to congratulate Trump, sending a telegram expressing "hope for joint work to restore Russian-American relations from their state of crisis".

Putin also called for action to address "pressing international issues" and urge "effective responses to challenges concerning global security," endorsing a "constructive dialogue between Moscow and Washington". That dialogue, he said, "would serve the interests of both countries".

He later spoke about Trump at the presentation ceremony of foreign ambassadors' letters of credentials in Moscow, stressing that Russia is ready to restore relations with the U.S.

Trump has repeatedly expressed his admiration for Putin, saying he believed in the “easing of tensions and improved relations with Russia." He also stunned NATO members by saying he would not unconditionally back members of the alliance under attack, as is required by Article 5 of the NATO treaty.

As news that Trump was declared the winner emerged, the State Duma, Russia's lower house of Parliament, erupted in applause and cheers, according to RIA-Novosti and Russian website Interfax.com.

"Three minutes ago, Hillary Clinton admitted defeat in the U.S .presidential elections. And just seconds ago, Trump began his speech as president-elect. I congratulate all of you on this," said Vyacheslav Nikonov, a State Duma member, as the house applauded.