Summary
A video circulating on social media shows Vladimir Putin laughing when told he was late for his scheduled call with Donald Trump.
The call, meant to discuss a Ukraine ceasefire, started an hour late, fueling speculation that Putin was mocking Trump. Analysts note that keeping leaders waiting is a known Putin power move.
Trump downplayed the delay, emphasizing that negotiations on land and power plants were ongoing.
Putin’s actions reflect his lack of respect for Trump, despite his recent concessions to Russia.
There’s a big argument from people who speak Russian about the nuance of this moment and whether Putin was dismissing the moderator. I’m choosing not to jump on this as any sort of hopeful wedge between Trump and Putin. Feels to easy to be misconstrued.