Trump congratulates Putin on inauguration

US President Donald Trump congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin on his inauguration, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a briefing.

"First, the president congratulates him [Putin] and looks forward to the time when we can hopefully have a good relationship with Russia," Sanders told reporters.

The inauguration ceremony of the re-elected Russian president was held in the Grand Kremlin Palace on Monday, giving an official start to his fourth presidential term, which will last through 2024.