Trump, Putin,

Summary

The web content reflects on the relationship between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting Trump's admiration for Putin's authoritarian leadership and questioning Trump's loyalty to American interests and alliances, particularly in the context of Ukraine's geopolitical struggles.

Abstract

The article critically examines the dynamics between Trump and Putin, highlighting Trump's seemingly favorable view of Putin as a "good competitor" despite Putin's alleged involvement in political assassinations and the undermining of global democracy. It underscores Trump's controversial statements that appear to favor Russian intelligence over U.S. intelligence and his ambivalence towards NATO's collective defense commitments. The piece suggests that Trump's presidency may have inadvertently facilitated Putin's aspirations to reassert Russian dominance over former Soviet states, notably Ukraine, and weaken Western alliances. The author expresses concern over Trump's perceived indifference to Putin's authoritarian tactics and the potential implications for global stability.

Opinions

The author implies that Trump's view of Putin as a "good competitor" is misguided, given the violent nature of Putin's political rivalries, as evidenced by the deaths of Boris Nemtsov, Anna Politkovskaya, and Alexander Litvinenko.
Trump's leadership is criticized for aligning with Putin's authoritarian model and for his apparent desire to emulate such leadership.
The author is alarmed by Trump's equivocal statements regarding Russian interference in American affairs, suggesting a lack of faith in U.S. intelligence assessments.
There is a belief that Putin's strategy included supporting Trump's election to ease the path for Russian expansionism, particularly concerning Ukraine and the restoration of Soviet-era influence.
The article questions Trump's commitment to NATO, especially in defending newer member states against potential Russian aggression, which is seen as a departure from traditional U.S. foreign policy.
Putin is portrayed as a threat to global peace, using his power to silence dissent and align with other dictators, with potential influence over Trump's actions.
The author asserts that Trump was aware of Putin's intentions but chose to ignore them, prioritizing his own interests over those of the United States and its allies.

Putin, Trump, and Ukraine (A Rant)

Looking back over the Trump Presidency, does anyone disbelieve that Putin, a dictator, told Trump that he is going to bring back the USSR?

Does anyone remember this Trump Quote: “Well actually, I called him (Putin) a competitor. And a good competitor he is. And I think the word ‘competitor’ is a compliment.” End Quote

Competitors, the way I see the meaning, does not mean killing them.

Take the politician Boris Nemtsov in 2015, before that, journalist Anna Politkovskaya in 2006, and former intelligence officer Alexander Litvinenko also in 2006. Competing with Putin is not a competition one wants to readily partake in. This the kind of leader Trump admires, and the kind of leader he aspires to becoming.

Here is one on my favorite Trump quotes: “I hold both countries responsible. I think that the United States has been foolish. I think we’ve all been foolish. … And I think we’re all to blame.” End Quote

Staggering isn’t it, from a man who isn’t to blame for anything, anything at all!

How many Presidents have trusted our own intelligence over Russian intelligence? Not Trump

Quote: “My people came to me, Dan Coats came to me and some others, they said they think it’s Russia. I have President Putin; he just said it’s not Russia. I will say this: I don’t see any reason why it would be.” End Quote

Of course, you don’t.

Putin, in my opinion, desperately wanted Trump to win so he could take Ukraine back in one lump. He screwed up our alliances in Europe, weakened NATO, and was almost certainly paving the way for Putin to gain land and restore the USSR. It’s Putin’s greatest wish.

Asked about Russia’s threatening activities, which have unnerved the small Baltic States that are among the more recent entrants into NATO, Trump said that if Russia attacked them, he would decide whether to come to their aid only after reviewing whether those nations “have fulfilled their obligations to us.” (New York Times, 07.20.16)

I have no clue as to whether Putin is set on a world war. He is afraid of NATO and the nations which make up the European force. If Ukraine were to be successful in joining NATO (years away) that would, in Putin’s mind, be a threat. NATO countries are part of a peacekeeping force.

Putin does not have a valid point. He is a ruthless dictator, imprisoning and having killed anyone who stands against him. Putin aligns himself with other dictators, and has no doubt encouraged Trump down the same road.

Did Trump not see where Putin was leading him? Yes. He didn’t care.

Imagine Putin saying: I’ll help elect you, you stand aside while I take back what was once the USSR.

This is a two-minute rant. Thank you, and goodnight!

Politics. War. Sovreign. Government. Dictator.

Trump, Putin,

Putin, Trump, and Ukraine (A Rant)