🇫🇷French historian Nicole Bacharan on why Trump is a man of Putin:

Trump is betraying Ukraine, betraying Zelensky. But I would say that this has happened repeatedly since Donald Trump returned to power. He never stops betraying Ukraine. Sometimes it becomes particularly obvious when Vladimir Putin makes no concessions to him. In fact, he hasn't made any so far.

And then, Donald Trump made a small concession to Ukraine – specifically, after the Ukrainians began striking Russian territory with long-range weapons. It became clear that Russia, if not collapsing, was at least experiencing serious difficulties. And suddenly, it seemed that Trump had a thought: "What if Zelensky isn't the failure here, but Putin?"

At that moment, Trump became somewhat more favorable towards Zelensky. But I want to go further and say it directly: Trump belongs to Putin. He is a man of Putin. Trump has always felt sympathy for him. He is consistently fascinated by this dictator with an iron grip, who makes a strong impression on him. Trump wants to be on the same side as him. And indeed...

If it takes betraying Ukraine and even providing Putin with the means to finance his weapons, by lifting sanctions on the supply of diesel fuel and oil, then Trump is willing to do it.

@Slavyangrad