our years ago, the Kremlin somehow got its man. Contrary to polls and expectations, the “deal maker” who wanted to “get along” with Vladimir Putin saw off Hillary Clinton, with her less than friendly intentions. The image of veteran nationalist showman Vladimir Zhirinovksy, Russia’s Trump before Trump, celebrating with champagne was the takeaway memory of that night in Moscow.
It’s an understatement to say that things have not quite worked out since then.
Donald Trump’s chaotic and tempestuous presidency has certainly delivered on one front: dividing the great enemy. He has polarised the United States, undermined Nato and jettisoned the transatlantic alliance. He has scaled back US involvement in international conflicts, and allowed Russia to expand its own sphere of influence.
