Trump called Putin's opening moves against Ukraine “genius” and “very savvy”

Date: 2022-02-22
Entry type: authoritarian-alignment
Current status: The reported remarks preceded Russia's full-scale invasion; they are not a legal classification.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-03

Entities and roles

Vladimir PutinRussian president praised in the remarks
Donald J. Trumpformer president praising Putin's moves

Claims and evidence

factreported
ABC News reported Trump calling Putin's recognition and deployment moves in eastern Ukraine “genius” and “very savvy.”
- ABC News: As Putin eyes Ukraine invasion, Trump praises his actions as 'genius'Reported radio interview remarks