Donald Trump defends Putin, says America has many killers too

Repeating it for the second time, US President Donald Trump emphasised that he respects Russian President Vladimir Putin even if he is a killer, however, that hasn't been proven.

In an interview with Fox news, Trump defended Putin by equating his actions with those of the US government.

“Well, take a look at what we've done too. We've made a lot of mistakes. I've been against the war in Iraq from the beginning," he said.

“A lot of mistakes, OK, but a lot of people were killed. So a lot of killers around, believe me,” Trump said when told that the Russian President Vladimir Putin is a “killer”.

“There are a lot of killers. We've got a lot of killers. What, you think our country's so innocent? You think our country's so innocent?” Trump asked.

Trump said he would like to co-operate with the Russians in the fight against ISIS.

He also said that he respects Putin, but this does not mean that the two would get along. “Well, I respect a lot of people but that doesn't mean I'm going to get along with them. He's a leader of his country. I say it's better to get along with Russia than not. And if Russia helps us in the fight against ISIS, which is a major fight, and Islamic terrorism all over the world...,” Trump said.

“Will I get along with him? I have no idea,” he said in response to a question.

The comment has drawn wide criticism from his political opponents, who see it as him comparing the US with Russia.

Trump's respect for Putin was a familiar trope during the presidential elections which the major US intelligence agencies believe Russian intelligence sought to influence on Trump's behalf. Such beliefs prompted a fierce split between Trump and the intelligence community that has not yet healed.