For a man who prides himself on conducting diplomacy by instinct and through personal relationships, Donald Trump’s susceptibility to Vladimir Putin has long puzzled observers – and rightly caused extreme distress to those who stand to lose the most from it. He really doesn’t seem to be able to see Vladimir Putin for what he is: a cunning, ruthless and cruel imperialist, and a danger to the West.
Some speculate that the Kremlin has explosive “kompromat” on the president – but, if so, Mr Trump has hinted that he doesn’t care. The possibility has, in fact, not prevented Mr Trump from occasionally standing up to the Russians.
