Opinion | No, Trump Isn’t Good for Putin

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by Hanna Notte

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The article argues that despite initial hopes from Russia's perspective, Donald Trump's presidency has not delivered the benefits Vladimir Putin anticipated. Initially, Putin believed Trump's election could lead to warmer U.S.-Russia relations and greater influence for Russia on the global stage. However, one year into Trump's return to office, these expectations have been largely unmet. While Trump showed early interest in ending the war in Ukraine quickly and seemed willing to engage with Russia, his actions have failed to translate into tangible gains for Moscow. Key details highlight why Trump has not been good for Putin. Trump has ignored Russian interests in several regions, including the Middle East, where he bypassed Russia during peace talks in Egypt and showed little regard for Russian alliances like Venezuela and Cuba. Additionally, Trump has imposed sanctions on Russian oil companies, seized a Russian tanker, and pressured India to reduce its purchase of Russian crude, further straining relations. These actions have demonstrated that Trump's administration is not inclined to support or collaborate with Russia in ways that would benefit Putin's foreign policy goals. The article emphasizes the broader implications for readers interested in global politics. The failed efforts to normalize U.S.-Russia relations under Trump underscore the ongoing challenges of diplomatic engagement and mutual respect between the two superpowers. While Putin may have hoped for a partnership that could reshape international dynamics, Trump's actions have instead showcased a pattern of disregard for Russian interests, leaving little room for cooperation or mutual benefit. This dynamic highlights the complexities of modern geopolitics and the enduring tensions between these two nations.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/23/2026