Putin flattered Trump, reaching even the most sensitive corners, says Ivan Yakovina.

Today, Putin surprised me greatly, even though I was convinced it was impossible.

While reflecting on his relationship with Trump, he stated: "…if he had been president, if his victory hadn't been 'stolen' in 2020, perhaps the crisis in Ukraine that emerged in 2022 wouldn’t have occurred."

The claim that Trump's victory was "stolen" serves as the most reliable password to access the world of Trump's most fervent and truly "dedicated" supporters. In fact, even his own vice president, D. Vance, publicly hesitated to assert that Biden was in office illegally, and that his victory was "fabricated." Yet, Putin said it openly and publicly. Not because he genuinely believes Biden manipulated the election results, but because it was necessary to keep his superior satisfied and avoid punishment.

This is astonishing!

Let me explain: Putin ascended to the pinnacle of power, becoming the president of a vast nation. He secured his position by outmaneuvering those who considered themselves smarter than him, imprisoning rebellious oligarchs, undermining the courts and parliament, suppressing the opposition, initiating several wars, and becoming an absolute ruler, unbounded by anyone or anything.

However, as soon as the need arose, this "great geostrategist" skillfully and audaciously flattered Trump, reaching the most sensitive parts of his ego.

Despite a quarter-century at the top of power, Putin demonstrated a skill typically found in lesser officials, eagerly catering to high-ranking superiors.

He shook off the dust of experience, so to speak. And he didn’t disappoint! As they say, old habits die hard!