The article analyzes President Trump's complex relationship with Vladimir Putin, highlighting his past reluctance to confront the Russian leader despite his generally tough stance on other matters. It details instances where Trump sided with Putin over US intelligence agencies, and proposed peace plans heavily favoring Russia.
Despite recent moments of exasperation and public criticism of Russia's actions, especially after a meeting with President Zelensky, the article suggests that Trump's approach remains unpredictable. Internal divisions within the White House regarding the appropriate response to Putin's actions are also highlighted. The article notes the lack of consensus amongst advisors, with some advocating for tougher sanctions while others prefer a more conciliatory approach.
Possible responses to Putin's actions, like increasing weapons shipments to Ukraine or imposing stronger sanctions, are discussed, alongside the challenges of implementing such measures given Trump's past actions and the internal political landscape. The article suggests that increasing weapons shipments to Ukraine is unlikely due to past and current Republican rhetoric. Finally, the article emphasizes Trump's long-standing history of deference to Putin, suggesting that his past behavior predicts a continued, if uneven, reluctance to actively challenge the Russian leader.