Video: Trump Called Putin ‘Smart’ Ahead of Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Former President Donald Trump labeled Russian President Vladimir Putin “smart” because of the way he moved to invade 🇺🇦Ukraine.

During an event at Mar-a-Lago on Wednesday, Trump said, “He’s taking over a country for $2 worth of sanctions. I’d say that’s pretty smart.”

“He’s taking over a country, literally a vast, vast location. A great piece of land with a lot of people and just walking right in. This would have never happened, ever in a million years, it would have never happened.”

Watch the video below:

During an appearance on Fox News later on Wednesday, Trump claimed, “He sees the weakness and the incompetence and the stupidity of this administration.”

“As an American, I am angry about it, and I’m saddened by it. It happened because of a rigged election,” he added.

Trump has repeatedly claimed that the 2020 presidential election was “rigged.” However, several recounts and legal challenges did not change the results of the election or find evidence to support his claim.

Putin announced on Wednesday night that 🇷🇺Russia would conduct a military operation in eastern 🇺🇦Ukraine with the goal of demilitarizing the country. However, Russian strikes have been conducted in western portions of the country.

President Joe Biden is expected to announce new “severe sanctions” against 🇷🇺Russia in response to its invasion.

Trump received criticism for his comments on Twitter:

During an interview with conservative radio host Buck Sexton earlier this week, Trump said, “Putin declares a big portion of the 🇺🇦Ukraine — of 🇺🇦Ukraine. Putin declares it as independent. Oh, that’s wonderful. So, Putin is now saying, ‘It’s independent,’ a large section of 🇺🇦Ukraine. I said, ‘How smart is that?’ And he’s gonna go in and be a peacekeeper. That’s strongest peace force … We could use that on our southern border.”

“You gotta say that’s pretty savvy,” he added.