Donald Trump has said that Vladimir Putin is a 'genius' for declaring a portion of Ukraine as independent.
Russia’s recognition of two separatist Ukrainian regions as 'independent' has led to calls from Ireland of a “blatant violation” of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
The crisis escalated on Monday when Mr Putin announced he would recognise the two breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.
Many believed this to be an early tactic by the Kremlin to see what sanctions would arrive - which began this morning from both the UK and the US.
Ex-US President Trump has blasted those sanctions, while hailing Mr Putin.
"Putin declares a big portion of Ukraine as independent. That's wonderful. How smart is that? This is genius," he told The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show.
"I knew Putin very well. I got along with him great. He's got a lot of great charm and a lot of pride. He loves his country.
"I used to talk to him about it (the invasion). I said, 'You can't do it. You're not gonna do it'. But I could see that he wanted it."
"I know Vladimir Putin very well, and he would have never done, during the Trump administration, what he is doing now, no way!
"Now it has begun, oil prices are going higher and higher, and Putin is not only getting what he always wanted, but getting, because of the oil and gas surge, richer and richer."
Mr Trump also blasted the reaction from the US Government, saying that "If properly handled, there was absolutely no reason that the situation currently happening in Ukraine should have happened at all."
"Now, what a mess our country is in."
