Could this be the kiss of death to Donald Trump's campaign the Republican establishment has been longing for: an endorsement from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"He's a really brilliant and talented person, without any doubt. It's not our job to judge his qualities, that’s a job for American voters, but he’s the absolute leader in the presidential race," Putin said after his annual press conference in Moscow, according to the Interfax news wire.
"He says he wants to move on to a new, more substantial relationship, a deeper relationship with Russia, how can we not welcome that? Of course we welcome that," Putin added.
Don't count on it hurting Trump, though. Trump's supporters are just the types to love Putin's authoritarian style. Trump's going to milk this for all it's worth. Let's just hope it doesn't inspire him to emulate the Russian strong man by campaigning shirtless.