European leaders often portray Russian President Vladimir Putin as a tyrant, a land grabber, and a Russian bear. And following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine War three years ago, the deadliest in Europe since World War II, Putin has gone from being a bad guy in Western European eyes to being something worse: a war criminal.
Yet, the biggest enigma across many Western capitals is why US President Donald Trump, the leader of the free world, is eager to embody everything that the West despises about Putin. Trump is enamoured with Putin. His admiration for the Russian President was once again evident during their August 15 meeting in Alaska.
Waiting for Putin
As Trump waited for Putin on the red carpet, you could almost sense the butterflies up and down his stomach, like a lover waiting for a date. He squinted and pouted nervously. As Putin alighted and approached him, the dam of his affection for the Russian president burst into irresistible applause. Quite remarkable.
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