Trump setting an ultimatum to hit Russia with more tariffs, sanctions and possibly trying to pressure China to drop their support is not something the Kremlin expected, especially after Putin showed good faith with his latest statement. He expected Trump would take up his offer for negotations not threaten to destroy the Russian economy.
They're in a pinch now, because usually Putin would play the nuclear card if 'offended' or attacked by other heads of state. He'd simply tell Macron, Scholz or Biden that Russia has significant nuclear capability and things like that. So far that worked and the policy has been to not upset Putin too much. But this time Trump will probably threaten with the nukes first or answers a Russian nuclear threat with a bigger nuclear threat. The Russians can't bluff their way out of this thing. When Obama had to decide to defend Crimea and risk nuclear war he gave Putin a free hand and Joe Biden was very cautious too. When it comes to Trump they don't really know what he'll do.
Woah I didn't even notice Trump mentioned Russia 'helping' the US win WW2. Holy shit
They're in a pinch now, because usually Putin would play the nuclear card if 'offended' or attacked by other heads of state. He'd simply tell Macron, Scholz or Biden that Russia has significant nuclear capability and things like that. So far that worked and the policy has been to not upset Putin too much. But this time Trump will probably threaten with the nukes first or answers a Russian nuclear threat with a bigger nuclear threat. The Russians can't bluff their way out of this thing. When Obama had to decide to defend Crimea and risk nuclear war he gave Putin a free hand and Joe Biden was very cautious too. When it comes to Trump they don't really know what he'll do.
Woah I didn't even notice Trump mentioned Russia 'helping' the US win WW2. Holy shit