Putin's Aggression Against Ukraine 'Genius' Move, Says Former US President Trump

Trump termed Putin's move as "genius" and said that the situation (Russia-Ukraine conflict) would not have arrived had he been in power in the United States.

Former US President Donald Trump| Photo: Getty

New Delhi: Former US president Donald Trump on Tuesday praised Russian President Vladimir Putin for his aggression against Ukraine. Trump termed Putin's move as "genius" and said that the situation (Russia-Ukraine conflict) would not have arrived had he and his Republican party been in power in the United States.

Trump made the statement while responding to a question by a rightwing radio programme host on the issue of Russia recognising two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent. 

"I went in yesterday and there was a television screen, and I said, 'This is genius," responded Trump as reported by AFP news agency.

"Putin declares a big portion of the Ukraine -- of Ukraine -- Putin declares it as independent. Oh, that's wonderful." AFP further quoted Trump.

Russia and Ukraine are locked in a conflict after Putin sent army into Ukraine to secure self-declared Donetsk and Lugansk rebel republics. According to an estimate about 150,000 troops are stationed near Ukraine's borders raising fears of invasion. 

During the radio interview Trump also called Putin's move as "smart" and urged America to replicate the idea along its border with Mexico. Notably, Trump while in power was building a wall along the border with Mexico to stop "illegal migration" into the US. 

Speaking further, Trump also raised fingers at the leadership of President Joe Biden for not handling the situation properly. He also said that the Ukraine crisis would not have arisen had his government been in power.

"I know Vladimir Putin very well, and he would have never done during the Trump administration what he is doing now, no way!"  said the former president as quoted by news agency AFP.

Leaders across the world have condemned the move by Russia and urged Putin to end the conflict. US President Joe Biden has offered to hold talks "in principle" with Putin to defuse the tension. Several other countries have threatened to impose sanctions on Russia.