Against the backdrop of Trump's return to power and the war in Ukraine, it is crucial whether politicians can find common ground.
According to The Times, Trump and Putin have a long history of complex and contradictory relations. During Trump's first presidential term, his ties with Russia attracted attention due to numerous allegations of connections with the Kremlin, including potential financial dealings and contacts with Russian intelligence. However, after the investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, which did not establish direct evidence of Trump's dependence on Moscow, the situation remained ambiguous.
In the early stages of their relationship, even before the 2016 presidential elections, Putin praised Trump, who reciprocated with compliments, further fueling speculation about their mutual affinity. However, even during their meetings, such as in Helsinki in 2018, Trump seemed to side with Putin, stating that he trusted him more than the FBI.
Now, with Trump's return to the political arena, the situation has changed. The Kremlin actively supports the idea of his reinstatement, believing that it could prevent the war in Ukraine, which began after the "stolen election" of 2020. However, the current Trump expresses significant criticism towards Putin, claiming that he is "destroying Russia." At the same time, the Kremlin hopes for possible agreements with Trump that could allow Russia to retain the occupied territories in Ukraine.
Experts note that both Trump and Putin possess strong yet fragile egos. There is a risk that the Russian dictator may misjudge the new U.S. president.
"If Trump feels disrespected, he may act unpredictably. Provoking him might lead to a situation where he tries to burn us just to teach a lesson," emphasizes a Russian official.
Source: thetimes .