He is only recognizing the obvious.
I wonder what he’d call Obama? I think “Outstanding for a girl”. What say you?
And who the next President he will have to deal with, is going to be.
I think Putin wants Hillary in. An extension of the Obama admin where he can further his agenda.
So if he says he likes Trump people may in his mind vote for Hillary. And if Trump wins he complimented him and maybe will start off on good terms.