Former US president Donald Trump has welcomed praise from Russian leader Vladimir Putin, stating that it validates his stance on the Ukraine conflict. In an interview with NBC's Kristen Welker, Trump said he liked Putin's comments because they showed he was 'right' about the invasion.
Putin had previously endorsed Trump's claim that he could end the war in Ukraine within hours if re-elected. Trump reiterated this position, saying he would bring both sides together to negotiate a deal. However, he refused to provide specifics, arguing that revealing his strategy would weaken his bargaining position.
The remarks have sparked criticism, with the group Republicans against Trump stating that voting for him is 'a vote against America.' Trump's opponents have derided his boasts about ending the war quickly, suggesting that a swift resolution would require conceding to Putin's demands.
Welker reminded Trump of Russian atrocities, including attacks on maternity wards and the ICC arrest warrant for Putin over alleged war crimes in Ukraine. Despite facing over 90 criminal charges in the US, Trump maintains his innocence and continues to lead in Republican primary polls.
