For Russia, Trump-Putin Meeting Is a Sure Winner
By NEIL MacFARQUHARJULY 6, 2017
MOSCOW — With the long-awaited first meeting between President Vladimir V. Putin
and President Trump finally in sight, the Kremlin is hoping at a minimum to inject some clarity into a relationship so far marred by contradictions, anxiety, scattered recriminations and, on occasion, astonishing bonhomie.
On the American side, Mr. Trump’s national security adviser, Lt. Gen. H. R. McMaster, said last week
that there was "no specific agenda — it’s really going to be whatever the president wants to talk about." In contrast, Mr. Putin will surely show up with finely honed talking points aimed at forging closer cooperation and reaffirming Russia’s old Soviet role as the equal of the United States in umpiring global affairs.
First and foremost, it is unclear what he has to offer in exchange for American cooperation — other than collaboration in Syria
and great sympathy for Mr. Trump’s plight at the hands of what Russia refers to as the American "deep state," including the news media.
Asked last month about possible outcomes from meeting Mr. Trump, Mr. Putin said, "On the Syrian problem and the Middle East in general, it is clear to all
that no progress will be made without joint constructive work." Cooperation from Washington on Russia’s plan to create "deconfliction zones" inside Syria would go a long way toward reviving Russia’s role as a key power in the Middle East.
In the best case for the Kremlin, the two will get along swimmingly: Mr. Trump will be as admiring of Mr. Putin in the flesh as he was on the campaign trail,
and he will emerge to treat Russia as his new best friend.
Sergei said that As for the policy of the U.S. administration, we have to understand first what it will involve,