Trump lost the image battle to Putin
Vladimir Putin looked more advantageous than Donald Trump at today’s press conference in Helsinki, Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of the magazine “Russia in Global Affairs,” notes in his blog.
“Frankly speaking, Trump did not look bright and expressive. So the reproaches of those who will say that he lost the image battle to Putin are not unfounded. With allies whom he constantly criticizes, Trump is much more fiery and self-confident,” the expert states.
Lukyanov believes that there were no real breakthroughs as a result of the negotiations.
“There is clearly the same understanding of the possibilities of interaction in Syria that has been actively pointed out in recent weeks. The fact that Putin specifically mentioned the need to ensure the security of the State of Israel and raised the issue of the Golan Heights as a model for maintaining stability is very eloquent. It is no coincidence that Trump supported this so actively.
The second relatively specific topic is strategic stability and a return to intensive discussion of the entire range of issues. This was also expected. It is not yet clear what this will lead to, but Putin has directly spoken about the desirability of extending START. What would be the simplest gesture.
Everything else is a demonstration of good intentions, which have not yet been backed up by anything,” the expert argues.
“The fact that the press conference was dictated by Putin should be pleasant for the Russian heart. But from the point of view of the ability to further implement at least something, this is rather a minus. Trump's advantage in domestic politics is the image of a nonconformist bully. The electorate loves him for this. When he sought a meeting with Putin, almost alone in the entire American elite, he intended to demonstrate his independence from anyone’s opinions and his ability to pursue his line in any circumstances and with anyone. This could not be shown. And now this PR failure will have to be compensated for with something. So the readiness and ability to develop even the little that was talked about is in question. Well, however, no one expected any breakthroughs,” summed up Lukyanov.
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