Just as Russian forces were in the process of invading Ukraine, former US President Donald Trump described Russian leader Vladimir Putin as “genius” and his actions as “pretty savvy.”

Asked by DW’s Conflict Zone host Tim Sebastian what could be behind those descriptions, political commentator David Frum said for Trump it was ultimately about looking up to his Russian counterpart.

“Everybody needs a hero,” Frum said. “And Donald Trump found his in Vladimir Putin.”

A top White House staffer under former President George W. Bush, now a writer and columnist for US-based magazine The Atlantic, Frum added that “Trump is no friend of Ukraine and a great friend of Russia.”