“Yes, Putin did.”
Putin was speaking in Russian. Here is the definition of the Russian word Putin used:
“Does Putin think Trump is intelligent? On that count, the Russian word he used not only means ‘bright’ in terms of intelligence, but also ‘vivid’ and even ‘gaudy.’” It didn’t translate into “brilliant”.
You're fluent in Russian?
ADJECTIVE
2.exceptionally clever or talented: "a brilliant young mathematician"
synonyms: bright - intelligent - clever - smart - astute - intellectual
Seems to me “bright and vivid” are easily translated as “brilliant.” Nothing can be brilliant without being bright and vivid.