Putin to Trump: Let the bargaining begin
politico.eu • • world
Key Points:
- Russian President Vladimir Putin has remained rhetorically restrained following the U.S. capture and removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, despite Russia's longstanding alliance with Venezuela and significant military and financial support.
- Analysts suggest Moscow's muted response is strategic, aiming to avoid antagonizing Washington while competing for favor with former U.S. President Donald Trump amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine.
- The U.S. operation in Venezuela is seen by Russia as both embarrassing and a demonstration of American military might, highlighting Russia's limitations in projecting power beyond its near abroad.
- Experts argue that the incident reinforces a new U.S. foreign policy model under Trump prioritizing force and national interests over international law, a development the Kremlin may ultimately view as beneficial to its own geopolitical narrative
