Putin's diplomatic dance may undermine Trump and GOP ahead of midterms
An analysis argues that Vladimir Putin is using talks with Donald Trump’s envoys to thwart the president’s foreign-policy claims, a development that could hurt the GOP in the upcoming elections.
In a new piece, Washington correspondent Simon Marks examines how Vladimir Putin appears to be exploiting diplomatic overtures from Donald Trump’s team. Special envoy Steve Witkoff’s effusive compliments to Putin during a recent trip were portrayed as a calculated move, with Putin’s comment that "the situation is difficult" potentially alluding to both the Ukraine conflict and the approaching U.S. midterm elections. Despite the White House’s claim that the meeting produced "substantive plans for next steps," no public progress was reported.
Marks argues that Putin is treating Trump, Witkoff and Jared Kushner like instruments, offering fleeting optimism of a breakthrough before withdrawing it. This dynamic leaves Trump’s promise to end the Ukraine war - and the unresolved Iran situation - unfulfilled, depriving the GOP of any foreign-policy achievements to showcase to voters. The analysis warns that the Russians may later recount how they toyed with the U.S. delegation while continuing the war in Ukraine.
Why it matters
The piece suggests Russia’s tactics could weaken Trump’s election prospects and reshape U.S. foreign-policy narratives.
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