Trump under fire for praising Putin's invasion of Ukraine as 'genius'

Former US President Donald Trump is facing bipartisan criticism after describing Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to invade Ukraine as "genius".

During an interview with podcaster Buck Sexton, Trump said he backed Putin in his decision to send troops to perform "peacekeeping" duties in the Russian-controlled areas of southeast Ukraine.

"I went in yesterday and there was a television screen, and I said 'this is genius'," he told the conservative podcast host.

Trump added Putin was a "tough cookie" but was "very savvy", had a "lot of great charm" and loved his country.

US Senator Bernie Sanders blasted Trump on Twitter, saying it was "unsurprising" that he would praise Putin's "murderous invasion of Ukraine as an act of 'genius.'" 

"It should concern us all that Putin is exactly the kind of leader Trump would like to be, and that so few Republicans have the courage to say this out loud," the Vermont senator said.

Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney and former national security adviser H.R. McMaster have also criticised Trump's remarks.