The Republican presidential nominee told the 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 White House candidates appeared back to back on stage in half-hour segments at the Intrepid Air and Sea Museum in New York on Wednesday night.

Quizzed by NBC host Matt Lauer on his previous complimentary remarks about Mr Putin, Mr Trump responded: "He does have an 82% approval rating."

"I think when he calls me brilliant I'll take the compliment, ok?" added the businessman.

He said Mr Putin had "great control over his country".

(BBC News)