ABC News Daily Why Trump can’t get 'crazy' Putin to end the war
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May 29, 2025 Rajan Menon, an expert in international relations and a senior research fellow at Columbia University, discusses Donald Trump's evolving views on Vladimir Putin amid the ongoing Ukraine war. He highlights Trump's initial admiration turning into criticism as peace talks falter. Menon explains why Putin is unlikely to heed Trump's calls for negotiations and examines the grim realities for Ukraine. The podcast also explores the impact of international military support and the broader implications for European defense strategies.
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Trump's Misplaced Confidence
- Donald Trump believed his personal rapport with Putin would quickly end the Ukraine war.
- He overestimated his influence and Putin's willingness to negotiate sincerely.
Putin Humours Trump
- After a lengthy phone call, Putin gave no commitments to Trump but humored him.
- Putin understands Trump's psychology better than Trump understands Putin.
Putin's Escalation Revealed
- Russia launched its deadliest strike on Kyiv since the war began, showing Putin's escalation.
- This contradicts Trump's belief that Putin wants to stop the war now.