G20 Summit: Global heavyweights Trump and Putin to meet
US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will have their first face-to-face encounter at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. The July 7 meeting promises to be the most highly anticipated interaction in the summit. Both leaders previously expressed the desire to mend ties, which worsened due to the Syria and Ukraine crises and Russia's alleged interference in the US election.
Where Trump's ties with Putin currently stand
In the past, both Trump and Putin have expressed their admiration for each other. During his election campaign, Trump often said he would work towards improving ties with Russia, raising hopes of a Washington-Moscow rapprochement. However, since his election victory, Trump has been embroiled in a scandal over his team's alleged ties with Russia. Differences with Russia on geopolitical issues have deteriorated ties.
Body language of both leaders to be closely scrutinized
It's likely that every facial expression, physical gesture and word exchange between both two leaders would be analyzed to see how Trump, a real estate tycoon and former reality TV star, will get along with Putin, a former spy. There are concerns that Trump, a political novice, may be unprepared against Putin, who has dealt with dozens of world leaders, including two US presidents.
What they will discuss
US officials told CNN Trump plans to focus his talks with Putin mainly on the Syria and Ukraine crises. It is unlikely that they will discuss Russia's alleged interference in the US presidential election. Their meeting will last 30-60 minutes.
Trump criticized Russia ahead of the meeting
In a July 6 speech at Warsaw, Poland, Trump called on Russia to stop "destabilizing" Ukraine and end its support for "hostile regimes" such as Syria and Iran. He urged Russia to "join the community of responsible nations" and "fight against common enemies and in defence of civilization itself." The Russian government has rejected Trump's statement.
