Putin’s Praise for Trump Signals Possible Shift in Moscow’s Strategy

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s public praise for Donald Trump, calling him a “light at the end of the tunnel,” may signal a significant shift in Moscow’s strategy toward the United States. This overture comes as Russia faces a critical two-week deadline from the Trump administration concerning the war in Ukraine.
President Trump has demanded progress in peace talks, threatening “massive sanctions” if his expectations are not met. This puts Moscow in a difficult position, forcing it to choose between negotiation and further economic pain. Trump’s recent meetings with both Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky have set the stage for this dramatic choice.
The key condition appears to be a willingness by Putin to meet with Zelensky. The Ukrainian president has expressed his readiness for such a summit. The world now waits to see if Moscow will agree to talks under the shadow of Trump’s impending decision.
While extending a hand to Trump, Putin also articulated a core principle of his foreign policy: the absolute necessity of Russian sovereignty. He argued that unlike other nations, Russia’s survival is tied to this principle. This statement adds a layer of complexity, suggesting that any deal must not be seen as a capitulation.