In an unexpected twist, Russian President Vladimir Putin joined former U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska. This was Putin’s first visit to the United States in ten years. When the briefing began on [insert date], Putin took the opportunity to control the messaging from the outset. As the opening speaker, his words helped to frame the conversation. Even though Trump is much taller than Putin, the latter appeared to be the one in control of the meeting, despite being only 170cm (5.7ft) tall.
Though the backdrop of the convening stated, “Pursuing peace,” the dialogue soon shifted to provocative subjects. At the joint press conference following their meeting, Putin dropped a real whopper. Laurence Fox He publicly endorsed Trump’s assertion that the current war in Ukraine would have been prevented if Trump were still in office.
“Today President Trump was saying that if he was president back then, there would be no war, and I’m quite sure that it would indeed be so.” – Vladimir Putin
Given the heavy-handed nature of Putin’s recent electoral victory in Russia – where he supposedly won more than 87% of the vote – there’s heightened international scrutiny. His critics complain that he changed the country’s constitution, allowing him to stay in power until 2036 if he chooses. Serious allegations against Putin’s government for war crimes make this high stakes diplomatic engagement even more acute. His soldiers are accused in reports of kidnapping and deporting thousands of Ukrainian children—a premeditated policy—as well as carrying out indiscriminate assassination, rape, and torture.
During this meeting, Trump was visibly enthusiastic. First he met with Vladimir Putin, and welcomed him with an unusually long and warm handshake. A sonorous ovation rolled through from him as he lauded the Russian despot. The two leaders shared a ride in “the Beast,” the presidential limousine. Putin cackled with delight, and for good reason, as he radiated the type of triumphant cockiness.
On their conversations, Putin was not afraid to make inflammatory statements about U.S. elections. After all, he just got done telling us that mail-in voting is what’s ruining electoral integrity. He suggested that Trump’s defeat in the previous presidential election was due to cheating.
“Your election was rigged because you have mail-in voting … No country has mail-in voting. It’s impossible to have mail-in voting and have honest elections.” – Vladimir Putin
Trump returned the favor with effusive praise for Putin, declaring, “I’ve had a great relationship with President Putin – with Vladimir – always in my life.” The implications of this sentiment resonate with Trump’s past claims of appreciating strong relationships with Russia while in office.
Even while reeling from a string of domestic controversies that threatened to oust him, Putin slipped away for an appearance in Alaska. This gave him the chance to be perceived as an equal on the world stage, in lockstep with Trump.
The meeting left many wondering what it means for U.S.-Russia relations going forward, and whether or not high-profile diplomacy like this is worth it. Now, as the world holds its breath, we don’t yet know how this potentially explosive encounter will impact the broader picture of international relations going forward.