Why the Helsinki meet is damaging for Donald Trump and a victory for Putin

The summit largely descended into a battle about US domestic politics, with Trump relitigating the 2016 presidential election, claiming that he beat his opponent Hilary Clinton “easily” and labelling the Mueller investigation a “disgrace”.

US President Donald Trump’s summit with his Russian counterpart Vladamir Putin concluded with an extraordinary press conference on Monday night. It largely descended into a battle about US domestic politics, with Trump relitigating the 2016 presidential election, claiming that he beat his opponent Hilary Clinton “easily” and labelling the Mueller investigation a “disgrace”. Trump lost the high-ground by falling into the trap of political muckraking instead of focusing on international issues. This allowed Putin to escape scrutiny and legitimized him as a leader of international stature. And Trump is likely to pay a high price for this misstep.

The question of whether Putin had damaging material on Trump also found its way into the presser.

The context
The summit took place against an unusual backdrop. First, on Friday, Robert Mueller indicted 12 Russian military officers for interfering in the 2016 election. The timing could not have been worse – Trump faced pressure to cancel the meeting.

Second, concluding his visit to the UK, Trump’s remarks about Russia antagonized his critics:

Our relationship with Russia has NEVER been worse thanks to many years of U.S. foolishness and stupidity and now, the Rigged Witch Hunt!

Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 16, 2018

He also blamed Obama for the mess:

[He] thought that Crooked Hillary was going to win the election, so when he was informed by the FBI about Russian Meddling, he said it couldn’t happen, was no big deal, & did NOTHING about it. When I won it became a big deal …

Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 16, 2018

Then the president said his critics would never give him credit no matter what he obtained during the summit, and even suggested the EU was a bigger foe than Russia. Many including Sen. John McCain called for the meeting to be cancelled. Trump ignored them.

What are the key flashpoints?
First, Russia is accused of interfering in the 2016 election. In addition to the Mueller indictments of the 12 Russian military officers on Friday, other Russians and entities have been indicted by the Department of Justice this year. The Senate Intelligence Committee and other bodies have confirmed that Russia interfered in the election and there is now little reason to believe Russia.Second, Russia annexed Crimea in violation of international law. The US and the West oppose Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and reject Crimea’s integration into Russia. The EU and US have both imposed sanctions and Russia was suspended from the G8 over Crimea. Ukraine continues to be influenced by Russia.

Third, Russia and America don’t see eye-to-eye on Syria. Russia backs Assad and has been accused of committing war crimes in that country. It also has a loose partnership with Turkey and Iran in Syria – against US interests. The US has killed at least 200 Russian mercenaries in military strikes. De-escalation and elimination of the Iranian presence are essential for Trump to be able to withdraw its 2,000 troops from Syria. In addition, a commitment to policing Assad from using chemical weapons would be necessary.

Fourth, Russia’s support for the Iranian regime is inimical to US interests.

Fifth, Russia is an ally of Kim Jong-Un and may be vital to nudging North Korea to give up nuclear weapons. Putin may be using Kim as a pawn in his larger power-play against America.

Sixth, there is no agreement on arms reduction as the New START (Strategic Arms Reduction) treaty is due to expire in 2021.

Seventh, Russia is allegedly engaged in cyber-attacks against America and its European allies. Russia, in turn, has alleged that it is the victim of malicious cyber activity, including during the World Cup. An agreement to cease attacks against elections, key infrastructure such as power plants, and public services has been elusive.

Eighth, Russia opposes NATO’s expansion eastward and believes it violates a US commitment to maintain status quo at the end of the Cold War. The US believes it is merely acceding to the security needs of Eastern-bloc states which are apprehensive about Russian aggression. And Trump has asked for NATO allies to increase defense spending to 4% of GDP. Clearly, Russia opposes this and both sides are locked in a progressive cycle of escalation.

Ninth, harsh sanctions against Russian individuals and entities under US laws. Many of these are closely connected to Putin and he wants them lifted.