Summary
Putin’s actions after Trump’s election, including a delayed congratulations and a denial of a phone call, suggest a lack of respect for Trump’s personal relationship with him.
Russia’s intelligence chief’s statement that Trump owes them favors for their support in his election, along with hints that he is expected to “pay back” certain obligations, amounts to a bold threat of blackmail.
Trump’s foreign policy, which favors a realignment with Russia, may be challenged by Putin’s actions and the revelation of Russian interference in the election.
“Russia’s intelligence chief, [Nikolai Patrushev], made the following comment in an interview with the Moscow newspaper Kommersant:
‘The election campaign is over. To achieve success in the election, Donald Trump relied on certain forces to which he has corresponding obligations. As a responsible person, he will be obliged to fulfill them.’”
This sounds less psychological & more like an official confident that no one will do a damned thing about it.
While I’m sure Trump used Russia’s help, but this statement is for Russians to believe they’re some sort of masters of the world. I wouldn’t read too much into that statement because it’s just fucming propaganda aimed at Russia, be it true or not. What else is there to gain by potentially exposing their greatest asset? They surely can reach him, a publicity stunt isn’t how you send a message to Trump.
One of the great beauties
of being human
is our ability
to agree to disagree
Yup, I admit it could swing either way… But they do have a track record.