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Trump and Putin: A Political Relationship That Shaped Global Affairs

The relationship between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been one of the most controversial and widely discussed political dynamics of the 21st century. Whether viewed as a strategic partnership, a geopolitical rivalry, or a mix of both, their interactions had a significant impact on global affairs.

The Early Years: Trump’s Admiration for Putin

From the early days of his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump expressed admiration for Putin, often praising his leadership style. Unlike past U.S. presidents who took a more cautious approach toward Russia, Trump openly spoke about improving relations with Moscow.

One of the key moments that fueled speculation about their relationship was the 2018 Helsinki Summit, where Trump appeared to side with Putin over U.S. intelligence agencies regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election. His statement—"I don’t see any reason why it would be Russia"—was widely criticized in the U.S. and