Former White House Russia expert and pivotal witness in Trump’s initial impeachment, Fiona Hill, sheds light on Vladimir Putin’s strategic considerations concerning the potential resurgence of Donald Trump.
In a report by The Guardian on Thursday, December 21, 2023, Hill underscored Putin’s adept manipulation of Trump, portraying him not merely as a political figure but as an instrumental asset in Russia’s geopolitical maneuvers.
Labeling Trump as Putin’s “trump card,” Hill accentuated the Russian president’s skill in leveraging Trump’s anticipated return as a potent tool to influence global dynamics.
More Read
According to Hill, Putin perceives Trump’s potential comeback as a significant advantage, offering him a means to exert pressure and influence, especially in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“The anticipation that Trump’s going to come back is something for Putin of a boon … he can play with that. He can use it as kind of a warning … scare the Ukrainians, the Europeans, the rest of the world,” remarked Hill during a recent podcast.
Hill highlighted Putin’s confidence in Trump’s willingness to address the conflict in Ukraine in Russia’s favor, drawing from their prior interactions where Putin successfully manipulated Trump.
As a senior national security aide in the Trump White House from 2017 to 2019, Hill brings a unique perspective to the conversation. Despite her involvement in Trump’s first impeachment, Hill acknowledged Putin’s ability to navigate Trump’s unpredictability for Russia’s benefit.
Hill revealed that Putin is actively exploring the prospect of negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine, but strictly on his terms. This includes no territorial concessions, the ability to exert sustained pressure on Ukraine, and the absence of reparations.
Signals of potential negotiations indicate that Putin sees an opportune moment to bring the conflict to a resolution favorable to Russia.
The current geopolitical landscape, including the growing isolationist wing within the Republican party and a shift in Washington’s attitude towards Ukraine, plays a pivotal role in Putin’s calculations. Hill noted the changing dynamic in the U.S. approach to the conflict, with potential implications for ongoing events.
“Washington has cooled on Ukraine,” Hill remarked, indicating a shifting perspective that could impact the geopolitical scenario.
Fiona Hill’s background as the chancellor of Durham University, board member at Harvard, and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution adds complexity to the narrative, infusing the analysis with a wealth of experience and expertise.
The intertwined history of Trump and Putin on the global stage, dating back to Trump’s entry into U.S. politics in 2015, has been a subject of intense scrutiny. Despite controversies, Trump remains a dominant force in Republican politics, leading in polls and maintaining competitiveness against Joe Biden.
Hill acknowledged Trump’s unpredictability and underscored Putin’s cautious approach to avoid insulting him. Putin’s confidence in stoking culture wars and manipulating political influence aligns with his perception that global events, including discussions on NATO, European security, and world affairs, will shift in his favor with Trump’s potential return.
