Continued Russian-US Talks Prove Putin Doesn't Think Trump Duped Iran With Diplomacy

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the US bombing of nuclear sites in Iran will not affect Russia's bilateral dialogue with the US. This suggests that Russia does not believe the US was duping Iran with diplomacy before attacking it, and by extension, Russia does not think the US is doing the same to them. Putin has expressed "great respect" for Trump and praised his "sincere commitment" to peace in Ukraine. Russian politicians and experts were critical of Trump's decision to bomb Iran, but this does not mean Putin suspects Trump of foul play in their talks. Russia is interested in a ceasefire with Ukraine, but only on its terms, which include Ukraine withdrawing from disputed regions and declaring it will no longer pursue NATO membership. Putin believes continued dialogue with the US can lead to Trump coercing Ukraine into these concessions. Russia is offering the US a strategic resource-centric partnership as an incentive, which could lead to a reshaping of the world order if their détente remains on track. Putin is committed to continued dialogue with the US, despite speculation that Trump duped Iran, because Trump's actions, not his words, impress him. However, there is no guarantee that Putin can convince Trump to coerce Ukraine into concessions, and the failure of their talks could lead to escalated US involvement in Ukraine and worsened tensions with Russia.