Benefits of better US relations come second to Russian leader’s maximalist war aims, say insiders and analysts
Vladimir Putin appears unfazed by Donald Trump’s first tangible break with Moscow – a sign, analysts and Kremlin insiders say, that the Russian leader had long anticipated a deterioration in relations from the apparent improvement at the beginning of Trump’s second term.
While Moscow views the souring of ties with Trump as regrettable – the US president dramatically shifted tone last week as he announced a deal to arm Ukraine and threatened massive sanctions against Russia – sources say Putin was always going to prioritise the war. He remains confident that Russian forces are gaining ground and that Ukraine’s resistance could soon unravel.
What break with Moskow? Arms deal means metal can be purchased by European countries for the war in Ukraine. The sanctions are threatened - not implemented. I cannot see how Putin could have it better without sitting in the white house himself.