In an interview published on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump described Vladimir Putin's moves against Ukraine as "genius", "wonderful" and "very savvy".
This week, Putin announced that his "special military operation" is underway, as Russian forces crossed the border into Ukraine.
During an interview on Buck Sexton's podcast earlier this week - prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Thursday - 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.
"Putin declares a big portion of the Ukraine, of Ukraine, Putin declares it as independent. Oh, that's wonderful."
Ukraine and most Western allies view the move as an occupation of the region which could lead to tougher sanctions and more conflict.
However, Trump was full of praise for Russia's "peace force".
"We could use that on our southern border," he said. "That's the strongest peace force I've ever seen. They're gonna keep the peace all right."
"I knew Putin very well. I got along with him. He liked me. I liked him," he added.
The former President claimed that Putin was a "tough cookie" but was "very savvy", had a "lot of great charm" and loved his country.
In a press briefing yesterday, the White House's Press Secretary Jen Psaki condemned the comments made by Trump and said they try not to "take advice from anyone who praises Putin and his military strategy".
"So there's a bit of a different tactic, a bit of a different approach, and that's probably why President Biden and not his predecessor was able to rally the world and the global community in taking steps against Russia's aggression," she said.
It comes as Trump has spoken out about Russia's "operation", telling Fox News via telephone: "As an American, I'm angry about it and saddened by it."
However, Trump also added that Putin's plan would never have occurred if he was in the White House, adding: "The whole thing should never have happened and it would never have happened during my administration."
Failing to elaborate on this comment, Trump added: "It didn’t for a very good reason and I’ll explain that to you someday."
When asked about President Biden's monitoring of the developing situation, Trump said: "I don't think he's monitoring, I think he's probably sleeping right now. This is a terrible thing. This is something that should never have happened."
The White House has issued a statement in response to Russia's invasion, with Biden stating: "President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering.
"Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable."
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