Russia's President Vladimir Putin (left) and President Trump at the 2019 G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan. Photo: Mikhail Klimentyev/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS via Getty Images
Former President Trump called Russian President Vladimir Putin "very savvy" after Putin recognized two breakaway "republics" in eastern Ukraine as independent.
Why it matters: Western leaders have denounced the declaration as a violation of international law and Ukrainian sovereignty. Russian forces have moved into Ukraine under the guise of peacekeeping.
What he's saying: In an interview with "The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show" on Tuesday, Trump called Putin's move "genius" and "very savvy."
The big picture: Trump's former White House national security adviser has warned that the U.S. must formulate plans to recognize a Ukrainian government in exile in case Russian troops depose Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Go deeper: 5 key questions that could determine the shape of Russia's invasion