BBC: Donald Trump has showered Vladimir Putin with praise as he and rival Hillary Clinton took pointed questions from military veterans.
The Republican presidential nominee told the NBC forum the Russian president “has been a leader far more than our president [Obama] has been”.
It came on the same day the chief of the Pentagon accused Russia of sowing the seeds of global instability.
Mrs Clinton, meanwhile, defended her judgment despite her email scandal.
The Democrat also reiterated that her vote for the Iraq War was a “mistake”.
The White House candidates appeared back to back on stage in half-hour segments in New York on Tuesday night.
Mr Trump was quizzed by host Matt Lauer on his previous complimentary remarks about Mr Putin, and responded: “He does have an 82% approval rating.”
“I think when he calls me brilliant I’ll take the compliment, ok?” added the businessman.
