Russia’s global influence appears to be weakening as U.S. President Donald Trump takes a more assertive foreign policy stance, leaving Russian leader Vladimir Putin with fewer strategic options.

A year ago, after Trump returned to the White House, Putin publicly praised the American president’s “pragmatism” and expressed hope that relations between Russia and the United States would improve. Early contacts between the two governments were viewed in Moscow as a potential turning point.

Instead, analysts say the past year has highlighted Russia’s declining leverage in global politics. The shift has been particularly visible in the Middle East. One of Moscow’s closest regional partners, former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, was removed from power and reportedly fled to Russia.

At the same time, Moscow’s ties with Israel became strained as Russia deepened military cooperation with Iran. Yet despite signing a long-term strategic partnership with Tehran, Russia provided little direct assistance when U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian nuclear and military facilities last year.

The killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei further exposed the limits of the Russia–Iran partnership. Although Putin condemned the attack, Russia’s response was largely confined to diplomatic criticism and offers of mediation rather than concrete action.

Observers say Moscow’s strategic position has been weakened largely by its own decisions, particularly the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The war has caused significant military losses, strained Russia’s economy, and damaged relations with Europe.

Meanwhile, the NATO alliance has expanded and European countries have increased defence spending. Russia has also grown increasingly dependent on partners such as China and North Korea.

Despite occasional conciliatory remarks toward Putin, Trump’s policies—including continued support for Ukraine and the lapse of the New START agreement—have underscored the fragile state of U.S.–Russia relations.

Analysts suggest that facing setbacks abroad, Putin may intensify Russia’s war effort in Ukraine while continuing rhetorical nuclear warnings, framing the conflict as necessary to counter Western influence.

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Key Takeaways

• Russia’s global influence has weakened as Donald Trump pursues assertive foreign policy goals.

• Moscow offered limited support to Iran despite close cooperation and major regional tensions.

• The war in Ukraine has significantly strained Russia’s military, economy, and international alliances.

Original Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/

Trump screwed with Putin using Venezuela to sell his blackmarket oil. Now Trump could be screwing up a source of drone tech for Putin.

19 minutes ago, TedG said:

Trump screwed with Putin using Venezuela to sell his blackmarket oil. Now Trump could be screwing up a source of drone tech for Putin.

Why would he do that to his bestie ?

1 minute ago, blaze master said:

Why would he do that to his bestie ?

Unintended consequences. I'm wondering how long before Trump says he should take Iran's oil.

1 minute ago, gargamon said:

Unintended consequences. I'm wondering how long before Trump says he should take Iran's oil.

A true bestie would never do that to his bud. Or they were never besties as has been regurgitated so many times on here.

Or many of the people talking about it don't actually have any clue.

The later is my guess.

35 minutes ago, TedG said:

Trump screwed with Putin using Venezuela to sell his blackmarket oil. Now Trump could be screwing up a source of drone tech for Putin.

Russia produces all the Iranian drones themselves now unfortunately.

18 minutes ago, blaze master said:

Why would he do that to his bestie ?

Hes not. Its a lie promulagated by the right wing media to cover the fact that Vlad has tapes of Don peeing on himself with hookers in Moscow, and that Trump has been his puppet for years.

29 minutes ago, blaze master said:

Why would he do that to his bestie ?

Trump has no loyalty to anyone but himself. Bestie does not exist in his vocabulary.

Just now, wmorris61 said:

Trump has no loyalty to anyone but himself. Bestie does not exist in his vocabulary.

Tell that to the AN warriors who have been pushing the friends narrative.

Ps.....good to see you finally commenting after being a member of the forum for over a decade.

Not.

1 hour ago, TedG said:

Now Trump could be screwing up a source of drone tech for Putin.

Russia makes it's own drones. Bought the rights of the Shahed drone from Iran and now produces their own analogues called the Geran-2 with estimated production of around 500 - 1000 per day.

10 hours ago, blaze master said:

Why would he do that to his bestie ?

Putin is mainly interested in another prize: Ukraine. 😀