Twenty Years of Putin Playing the West in 3 Minutes | NYT Opinion

“For God’s sake, this man cannot remain in power. ” “I found him to be very straightforward and trustworthy. I was able to get a sense of his soul.

I wouldn’t have invited him to my ranch if I didn’t trust him. The part that Russia has played in the international community since the 11th of September has been remarkable. I mean we have cooperation today that would have been really unthinkable just a short time ago.

” “I am confident that this new level of cooperation between NATO’s members and Russia will now change the world and for the better. ” “I will declare that to be a joke. ” “Do I trust him?

Yeah, I trust him. ” “Russian heavy guns were firing at Georgian positions inside Georgia. Buildings are burning from the last air strike, and people are warning that the Russian Air Force may soon be back.

” “I brought with me today a big delegation of British business all with an interest in expanding their trade with Russia. ” “We seek a significant and sensible approach to economic development across our continent, and to that end will now be closely interconnected for decades to come. ” “I’m aware of the extraordinary work that you’ve done on behalf of the Russian people.

” “Breaking news from Ukraine. Overnight, armed men seized control of two government buildings as Putin announces he’s sending troops. ” “Many of Putin’s critics have mysteriously become ill or died.

” “—apparent vicious political assassination of one of President Vladimir Putin’s most outspoken critics. ” “A new report about Russian interference in the presidential election. Next, to look at how strong the evidence is, and that points to the Putin Government.

” “Former Russian spy is in a critical condition in hospital. ” “Investigators suspect the Kremlin could be behind the incident in Salisbury on Sunday. ” “He says great things about me.

I’m going to say great things about him. He’s been a leader far more than our president has been a leader. Wouldn’t it be great if we actually got along with Russia?

Am I wrong in saying that? Wouldn’t it be great? I believe that President Putin really feels, and he feels strongly, that he did not meddle in our election.

” “He’s not going into Ukraine, O. K. , just so you understand.

He’s not going to go into Ukraine.