Part 2/11:
Expert analysis suggests that the US may be responding more to embarrassment than to genuine escalation. Former political adviser Bruce Hawker pointed out that President Trump, initially optimistic about engaging with Putin, now seems disillusioned as efforts to resolve tensions have seen little progress. Despite initial promises, no substantial deals or breakthroughs have materialized after more than six months into Trump's presidency, leading to the perception that current posturing might be more about signaling resolve than actual confrontation.