President Donald Trump will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska — their first one-on-one meeting of Trump’s second term.
The backdrop is far tenser than their early encounters, as Russia’s war in Ukraine drags on and Putin has become a growing source of frustration for Trump.
From Praise to Frustration
During his first term, Trump called Putin a “strong leader” and even a “genius” after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. He once boasted that his personal rapport with the Russian leader could swiftly end the conflict. But in recent months, Trump’s tone has changed sharply, calling Putin “absolutely CRAZY” and expressing disappointment over continued bloodshed.
Shifting Strategy
While Trump has continued U.S. weapons support for Ukraine through European partners and imposed secondary tariffs on India to pressure Moscow, he has stopped short of harsher sanctions. Instead, he invited Putin for direct talks, describing Friday’s meeting as a “feel-out” session and a “listening exercise.”
High Stakes and Low Expectations
Analysts say Trump’s belief in eye-to-eye negotiations with strong leaders could collide with Putin’s reputation as a skilled manipulator. Former national security adviser John Bolton warned Putin’s real goal may be to rebuild his personal rapport with Trump — a move that could reshape the diplomatic dynamics of the war.
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