'We have to stand up to Putin's bullying': Hillary Clinton

Participating in a CNN organised debate for prospective Democratic candidates, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that the U.S. needed to take the lead and stand up to Russian President Vladimir Putin's 'bullying'.

Clinton said that there was no doubt that when Putin became the president, the relationship between the U.S. and Russia changed, adding that the U.S. needs to stand up to Putin's "bullying, and specifically in Syria".

She also applauded American officials for engaging in talks with Russia to ensure a safe flight zone over Syria in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) so that the Syrian migrant crisis comes to rest.

She also accused Putin of bombing people on behalf of Syrian President Bashar al Assad, and urged Washington to make it clear to Putin that it was unacceptable.