Putin Plays a Long Game With Trump on Ukraine

The article suggests that Russian President Vladimir Putin is adopting a long-term strategy in his dealings with former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the conflict in Ukraine. Despite the slow pace of progress in resolving the war, Putin may be satisfied with the current situation, as it allows him to maintain influence in the region. The article notes that Putin has been able to achieve some of his goals, such as securing the annexation of Crimea and maintaining control over parts of eastern Ukraine. Additionally, the article suggests that Putin may be using the conflict to distract from domestic issues and bolster his political support at home. The article also highlights the Trump administration's ambiguous stance on the Ukraine conflict, which has been seen as a potential advantage for Putin. Overall, the article suggests that Putin is playing a long game, using the Ukraine conflict to further his strategic and political objectives, despite the slow pace of progress in resolving the crisis.