

Is Trump turning on Putin?
May 13, 2025
Mark Galeotti, a renowned historian and director of Mayak Intelligence, dives into the shifting geopolitical landscape surrounding Ukraine and Russia. He analyzes Trump’s newfound support for Ukraine and the implications of his changing stance. The conversation uncovers the complexities of peace negotiations in Istanbul, highlighting the power dynamics between Putin and Zelensky. Galeotti also sheds light on the intricate nature of Trump’s relationship with Russia, questioning the sincerity of current diplomatic efforts amid ongoing turmoil.
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Golf Diplomacy With Trump
- Finnish President Alexander Stubb played golf with Donald Trump to discuss diplomacy informally.
- This golf meeting helped nudge Trump toward a more constructive position on Ukraine.
Trump's About-Face On Putin
- Trump's criticism of Putin marks a break with his earlier pro-Russian stance.
- This indicates that Trump is reacting personally to Putin's actions rather than sticking to a fixed policy.
Trump's Business Lens On Ukraine
- Trump views Ukraine through a business lens, seeing a resource deal as turning Ukraine into a profit instead of a cost.
- This shift changes his engagement and support for Ukraine substantially.