What Russia Really Thinks About Trump

Foreign Policy

by Alexey Kovalev

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed a strong relationship with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and boasted of his ability to end the war in Ukraine through diplomacy. However, Russian state media paints a vastly different picture, frequently mocking Trump and downplaying his influence. Instead of portraying him as a respected leader, Russian TV often depicts Trump as easily manipulated or even absurd, using humor and overtly hostile rhetoric to undermine his credibility. For instance, during a high-stakes period leading up to the 2025 Alaska summit, Russia’s most popular talk-show host, Vladimir Solovyov, openly threatened nuclear annihilation on air. Such comments, while shocking, reflect a broader pattern of primetime messaging on state channels like Russia-1. These broadcasts not only mock Trump’s policies but also celebrate what they see as the U.S.’s self-destructive behavior under his leadership. Russian media outlets have even gone so far as to nickname figures in Trump’s administration, such as National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, “our girlfriend” for her alignment with Kremlin interests. The article highlights that while Trump is objectively one of the most mentioned foreign leaders in Russia, it is not for reasons the White House would appreciate. Russian TV often portrays Trump as a figure who can be manipulated into actions that harm U.S. interests, such as accepting meaningless deadlines or failing to address key issues. This narrative positions Trump as both a symbol and a punchline of America’s perceived decline under his leadership. Such portrayals matter because they shape how other countries view the United States and its ability to influence global affairs. By framing Trump as weak or easily manipulated, Russia not only undermines U.S. credibility but also positions itself as the more powerful player in the relationship. This dynamic has significant implications for international politics, particularly in ongoing conflicts like the war in Ukraine, where perceptions of leadership strength can tip the balance of power. Ultimately, the article underscores how modern media and propaganda shape global perceptions of leaders like Trump, often distorting reality to serve political agendas. The way Russia portrays him reflects both its own strategic interests and a broader narrative of U.S. decline, making this an important topic for anyone following international relations and geopolitical strategy.

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Originally published on Foreign Policy on 2/25/2026