The relationship between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has endured a complex evolution over the years, marked by periods of optimism and growing disillusionment. Their last noteworthy interactions in 2019 were characterised by Trump’s hopeful assertions regarding a “very, very good relationship,” indicative of a desire for collaboration. However, the geopolitical landscape shifted dramatically with Putin’s invasion of Ukraine shortly after Trump’s presidency, leading to a significant downturn in US-Russia relations and Trump’s own perspective on Putin.
As Trump returned to the White House, he had hoped to utilise his rapport with Putin to negotiate a resolution to the ongoing conflict. Yet, over time, he became increasingly frustrated with the Russian leader, now admitting to the media that he perceives Putin’s communications as dishonest. This frustration sets the scene for their upcoming meeting in Alaska, which is framed by a sense of uncertainty regarding potential outcomes.
While the White House describes the meeting as a mere “listening exercise”, Trump has expressed cautious optimism about reaching an agreement, confident that progress may be made during this encounter. Both leaders will address a plethora of topics aimed at reviving US-Russia ties, but the intricacies of their relationship—tangled and often opaque—remain a subject of scrutiny, even among Trump’s closest advisers.
Since their initial meeting at a G20 summit in 2017, the dialogue between Trump and Putin has seen dramatic fluctuations. Praise and alignment with Putin’s view were often juxtaposed with abrupt cancellations and expressed concerns about Putin’s character. Former US ambassador John Herbst suggests a pragmatic recalibration of expectations for this meeting.
The enduring shadow of Russia’s election interference in 2016 continues to impact Trump’s perception of the relationship, as the former president has articulated a sense of kinship with Putin in light of what he refers to as the “Russia hoax.” This embroils his willingness to engage diplomatically with Russia, which he claims has been complicated by ongoing investigations.
Putin’s increasing isolation on the global stage due to various aggressive actions, including the annexation of Crimea, has further clouded the diplomatic air. Trump’s post-presidency remarks indicate a notable shift in tone towards Putin, with his earlier enthusiasm giving way to hesitance as the war in Ukraine persists, resulting in a cooling of relations and harsher critiques of the Russian leader’s motives.
In summary, the buildup to their Alaska meeting is underscored by a blend of historical tension, strategic recalibrations, and an uncertain future, as both leaders confront their intertwined legacies amid heightened global scrutiny of Russia’s actions.