Trump put to test over his 'friendship' moves with Russia
After months of anticipation, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin meet today in Finland's capital Helsinki to put to the test the US President's ambition to forge a personal bond with the Kremlin chief. If Trump's instinct is right and he finds common ground with Putin, then the pair's Helsinki Summit may take the heat out of some of the world's most dangerous conflicts.
Trump, however, does not have high hopes
But the Washington-Moscow rivalry has a long history and there are there many points of friction that could yet spoil the meeting. With the foes at loggerheads over Syria, Ukraine, and election interference, even Trump cautioned, "I'm not going with high expectations." The brash-billionaire has been president for 18 months, while the 65-year-old former KGB officer has run Russia for the past 18 years.
The other party isn't very hopeful either
The Kremlin has also played down hopes that the odd couple will emerge from their first formal one-on-one summit having resolved the issues poisoning relations.
Trump still confident of his charm in wooing tough opponents
The 72-year-old US President nevertheless has a high opinion of his ability to woo tough opponents like North Korea's Kim Jong-un, whom he met at a summit last month. "I think it's a good thing to meet," Trump said. Trump admitted that Russia remains a foe, but he put Moscow on a par with China and the European Union as economic and diplomatic rivals.
European leaders might be relieved out of a futile meeting
On Friday, Putin's adviser Yuri Ushakov also didn't give any positive vibes saying, "The state of bilateral relations is very bad, We have to start to set them right." Indeed, after a week in which Trump threatened to upend a summit of the NATO allies, anxious European leaders may be relieved if not much comes of the Helsinki meeting.
Critics watching Trump's moves closely
Many fear that Trump, in his eagerness to prove that he was right to seek the summit with Putin despite Russia's hostility, may give up too much ground. Trump's critics in Washington will be watching his moves and how he handles the evidence that Russian-agents intervened in America's 2016 presidential race. There will be an outrage if Trump doesn't confront Putin over the scandal.
Mueller indicted 12 more Russian officers last week
Last week, US special prosecutor Robert Mueller indicted 12 more Russian intelligence officers for allegedly hacking Trump rival Hillary Clinton's computer server.
Syria to be the most important issue
But of all the topics it is Syria that may prove most important. Trump is keen to withdraw US troops from eastern Syria, where they have been battling the Islamic State. Reports suggest he may seek a deal that Russia work with Israel to contain Iran's influence, in exchange for allowing Putin's ally Bashar al-Assad to stay in power.
Over 2,000 people denounced Trump, Putin; hailed human rights
This could free up US troops to withdraw, but would also, as with Crimea, mark a major victory for Putin and a betrayal of local US allies on the ground. On the eve of the summit, more than 2,000 people denounced Trump and Putin and hailed human rights, press freedom, and dissent as they marched in the Helsinki's Senate Square.
