Trump called Russia’s recognition of the DNR and LNR a genius decision

Former U.S. President Donald Trump called the Kremlin’s decision to recognize the sovereignty of the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics “very reasonable. He said this in an interview with the American podcast The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show.

According to Trump, Russia has proven to be the most powerful peacekeeping force in the region.

“When I saw it on TV yesterday, I said: ‘This is genius.’ Putin declares most of Ukraine independent. Oh, that’s wonderful. And he’s going to be a peacemaker. It’s the biggest peacekeeping force. We could use it on our southern border. It’s the most powerful peacekeeping force I’ve ever seen,” Trump said.

Trump also stressed that the Ukrainian crisis remained in a calmer phase during his presidency, thanks in part to his relationship with Vladimir Putin.

“This guy is very savvy. I know Putin very well. I got along very well with him. He liked me. I liked him. You know, I mean, he’s a tough nut! He’s got a lot of charm and a lot of pride. But also, he loves his country,” Trump noted.

On February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees recognizing the independence of the DNR and LNR, and instructed to ensure the maintenance of peace in the republics. The Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that the decision was based on the provisions of the UN Charter, and added that the country recognizes the republics within the boundaries within which the leadership of the republics exercises its authority.

The conflict in eastern Ukraine has lasted for eight years, during which time, according to the UN, more than 13,000 people have become victims, and about 44,000 more have been affected. Tensions in the Donbass are exacerbated by the United States and other NATO countries, which pump Ukraine with weapons and send military instructors. Moscow has repeatedly called on Ukraine to stop supplying weapons, as this could provoke Kiev into military adventures.