The New Statesman: politics and culture Why the Trump-Putin summit fell apart
Oct 22, 2025
Freddie Hayward, a journalist focused on international affairs and a New Statesman contributor, dives into the recent cancellation of Trump's summit with Putin. He discusses Trump's strategic missteps, the Russian response, and the geopolitical implications. The conversation shifts to the tumultuous situation in Venezuela, examining the U.S. military buildup and the mixed motivations behind it. Hayward highlights the fragmented Republican stance on foreign policy and the potential risks of U.S. intervention sparking wider conflict in Latin America.
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Trump Misreads Putin’s Intentions
- Trump repeatedly believes the best in Putin and is surprised when Russia refuses to negotiate.
- Putin appears to be playing Trump, using summits and calls to buy time and avoid real concessions.
Leverage Lies Outside Washington
- Trump has leverage over Zelensky but not over Putin, so pressuring Kyiv won't stop the war.
- Putin calculates he can outlast the West because democracies have shorter attention spans and electoral constraints.
Pressure China To Cripple Russia
- If the US wants to change Russia's calculus it must target China's support for Russia, not just Russia itself.
- Trump could push the bipartisan sanctions package but has not signalled genuine commitment to using it.