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He might begin the meeting with compliments or surface-level pleasantries—perhaps praising Putin’s attire or his leadership—before zeroing in on the substance of the dialogue. If Putin sounds different—more open or less evasive—Trump will interpret that as a positive sign. Conversely, if Putin remains uncooperative, Trump will quickly recognize that and react accordingly, potentially by adopting a tougher stance.
The Stakes and the Desire for Resolution
Both the U.S. and its allies profoundly desire an end to the ongoing Ukraine war. Trump understands that negotiations are ultimately aimed at resolving the conflict, and he seems acutely aware that Putin’s approach and tone will reveal whether a meaningful breakthrough might be possible.