Trump
Neighbouring countries and especially the former states of the USSR, will be left feeling very vulnerable
Trump breezes into Europe. He attacks NATO concerning members contributions. He reprimands the Germans regarding their trading relationship with the Russians. He undermines Theresa May over Brexit. He then dashes off to Moscow, where he has the chance to confront Putin over the downing of a civil airliner, the illegal annexation of the Crimea, Novichok, Russian interference in Western elections, etc, etc.
Of course, he doesn't. He and Putin are clearly best friends. Trump makes a speech whilst stood alongside Putin, in which he basically accepts Putins denial of wrongdoing without question, a speech which one American politician has described as being treasonous.
Trump has since tried to back peddle, claiming he misread his statement. He says he mistook “would” for “wouldn't”, or some such nonsense. It doesn't wash. The man does not know what he is doing. He undermines America's natural allies, whilst providing succour to Russia, a Russia that is acting like a rogue state, a Russia that needs to be told firmly that its actions will be tolerated no longer.
Trump's appeasement will do nothing but embolden the Russians. At a time when Putin is trying to restore the glory days of the old Soviet Empire, neighbouring countries and especially the former states of the USSR, will be left feeling very vulnerable.
18th July 2018