What does President Putin want now?

For Russia’s President Putin, the return of President Donald Trump to the White House ushered in a new world order. This has created new diplomatic space for Russia, as Trump’s world view seems more closely aligned with Moscow’s ambitions. Support for Ukraine has diminished, peace talks have been floated, and speculation has grown about a lasting ceasefire.

While the relationship between Washington and Moscow appears to be warming, recent tensions show how unpredictable diplomacy between the two leaders can be.

Putin’s ambition for Russia as an influential superpower remains but with shifting global alliances how much potential leverage does Putin have to reshape the international order?

Contributors:
• Kadri Liik, Senior Policy Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations
• Maria Snegovaya, Senior Fellow, Center for Strategic and International Studies
• Ivan Klyszcz, Research Fellow, International Centre for Defence and Security
• Mark Galeotti, Director, Mayak Intelligence; Honorary Professor, University College London

Presented by Victoria Uwonkunda
Produced by Louise Clarke
Researched by Katie Morgan
Technical producer James Bradshaw
Production Co-ordinator Liam Morrey
Editor Tara McDermott

Image credit GAVRIIL GRIGOROV via Getty Images