What’s really behind Trump’s deference to Putin?
Journalist Luke Harding explores the complex and controversial relationship between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. The article discusses themes from his new book, 'Betrayal,' which examines whether Trump's political actions align with Russian interests.
Why it matters
The nature of the relationship between a former US president and a foreign adversary remains a central point of contention in international relations and domestic political discourse.
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin appear to have a close relationship. Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin appear to have a close relationship. This Is Europe World news What’s really behind Trump’s deference to Putin? Whether or not US president fits the definition of a Russian asset, his actions align closely with the Kremlin’s interests
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Luke Harding Wed 2 Sep 2026 10.30 EDT Last modified on Wed 2 Sep 2026 10.32 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google C ould Donald Trump be a Russian asset? The headline on a review in the Guardian of my new book Betrayal has provoked heated international debate. Written by the historian Lawrence Freedman, the piece generated thousands of comments from across Europe and beyond on social media. Many people responded with a single word: “Duh!”
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