The Russian strongman also accused Turkey of currying U.S. favour

Putin was holding an annual press conference from the Kremlin in Moscow

After staring down months of opposition and criticism, U.S. Presidential hopeful Donald Trump has finally received a rare piece of ringing, unequivocal support.

Unfortunately, it comes from the provocative and confrontational Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Today Putin offered his thoughts on the Republican party nomination for the White House, and offered nothing but praise for the billionaire businessman.

After facing down weeks of criticism and insults, Donald Trump has finally received an endorsement - albeit from Russian president Vladimir Putin

The Russian strongman described Trump as 'flamboyant', 'unquestionably talented' and the 'absolute leader of the presidential race'

He said: 'He is a very outstanding man, unquestionably talented. He is the absolute leader of the presidential race.'

Putin went on to describe him as 'flamboyant', and claiming Trump wants to move to a 'deeper level' of relations with Russia, added: 'How can we not welcome it? Of course we welcome it.'

During the weekly press conference, he also turned his ire on the Turkish government, which he accused of 'licking the Americans in one place'.

The two countries remain embroiled in a diplomatic spat after the Turkish army shot down a Russian military jet flying sorties over Syria because it breached its airspace.

Putin remarks come just days after Trump was almost universally condemned for stating he would ban all Muslims from entering the U.S. if he were voted in as president.

It followed further controversies, mostly surrounding his policies on immigration, in which he said he would build a huge wall along the border with Mexico and deport 11million immigrants who are living in the country unregistered.

Putin went on to state Russia is ready to improve ties with the U.S. and work with whomever is elected its next president.

He said his talks with U.S. Secretary John Kerry earlier this week showed that Washington is ready to 'move toward settling the issues that can only be settled through joint efforts'.

Meanwhile, Putin said Russia was cooperating with the U.S. over Syria.

But he directed criticism at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government, accusing it of 'licking the Americans in one place'.

The Russian strongman reiterated claims that Moscow was in contact with the 'armed, uncompromising' opposition in Syria.

Donald Trump and Jeb Bush exchange words during a feisty handshake at the conclusion of the Republican presidential debate in Las Vegas two days ago

'We support their efforts in fighting [ISIS] with Russian air strikes,' he said, referring to the Islamic State group.

Trump, meanwhile, yesterday admitted he'd been 'a little bit divisive' and wants to see Republicans come together.

In an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show Wednesday, the GOP presidential candidate looked relaxed as Kimmel queried him about campaign issues - and the future of the party.

'I would like to see the Republican party come together, and I've been a little bit divisive in the sense of hitting people hard,' Trump said.

'Ultimately, I would like to come together and get this thing done,' Trump added.

However, he didn't miss an opportunity to once again hit out at Bush.