Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Trump Defends Putin, Calls Ukrainian President 'Brave'

Former US President Donald Trump has defended Russian President Vladimir Putin and has also called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "a brave man" as the conflict between both nations continues.

Defending his praise of Putin on Saturday, Trump stated that the issue was not that he (Putin) is smart, which he is, but that world leaders are dumb.

"The problem is not that Putin is smart, which, of course, he's smart," Trump said. "The problem is that our leaders are dumb... and so far, allowed him to get away with this travesty and assault on humanity", Trump said.

On Zelensky, Trump opined, "He's a brave man, he's hanging in", adding that President Joe Biden was being played by Putin like a drum.

Donald Trump

"Putin is playing [President Joe] Biden like a drum and it's not a pretty thing to watch."

According to reports, Trump showered praise on Putin after Russian troops invaded Ukraine and started launching rocket strikes in the nation's capital of Kyiv.

Even as he commended the Russian leader, he also tempered his praise by condemning Putin's decision to attack Ukraine "ruthlessly". But his harshest criticism was saved for President Biden.

President Joe Biden

Speaking to a conservative gathering in Orlando, Trump said: "The Russian attack on Ukraine is appalling. It's an outrage and an atrocity that should never have been allowed to occur.

"I have no doubt that President Putin made his decision... only after watching the pathetic withdrawal from Afghanistan... Under Biden, Russia invaded Ukraine. I stand as the only President of the 21st century on whose watch Russia did not invade another country.

"Under our administration, Russia respected America."