It is no secret that Donald Trump has long admired Russian President Vladimir Putin. Over the past five weeks, his administration has made moves pleasing to the Kremlin, from endorsing Moscow’s positions for settling the Russia-Ukraine war to opposing language critical of Russia at the United Nations.

On Tuesday, Putin told Trump he could agree to a halt on Russia and Ukraine attacking the other’s energy infrastructure. He did not agree to the U.S. proposal for a broad and immediate ceasefire. Nevertheless, the White House’s upbeat readout on the call said the two leaders agreed that an improved bilateral U.S.-Russia relationship “has a huge upside.” 

But what “huge upside” would that secure for the United States and Americans?

Continue reading at thehill.com