Anders Åslund, a renowned Russia expert, criticizes Donald Trump's meeting with Vladimir Putin, warning of potential negative consequences. Åslund, who has been targeted by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, argues that the meeting legitimizes Putin and misrepresents the Ukraine conflict as a U.S.-Russia issue. He doubts Trump's ability to negotiate a ceasefire, citing a lack of support for Ukraine.
Expert Warns of Negative Consequences from Trump-Putin Meeting
Expert Warns of Negative Consequences from Trump-Putin Meeting
Anders Åslund, a Russia expert, has been criticized by the U.S. Vice President on X this week. He stands by his criticism of Trump's meeting with Putin.
"I hope it doesn't have major consequences. If there are any, they are likely negative," he says.
Anders Åslund is a professor of international economics and a Russia expert. He resides in Washington DC and has been noted by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who in a post on X called him "a person who has misunderstood almost every major issue over the past 30 years."
"I was surprised, as he has no reason to know who I am. Secondly, it was a bit intimidating, as the Trump administration engages in various measures to persecute people with differing views," he says.
Åslund was singled out by Vance due to his skepticism about Donald Trump meeting Vladimir Putin to discuss the war in Ukraine.
He stands firm in his criticism.
"The negative aspect is that it is a major acknowledgment of Putin, who is a violator of international law. Additionally, it implies that Trump believes the war in Ukraine is essentially managed between the U.S. and Russia, with Ukraine merely an accomplice, aligning with Putin's perspective."
"Trump Knows Nothing"
He also argues that Trump is unlikely to succeed in brokering a ceasefire in Ukraine.
"He knows nothing. And what could the U.S. do? Ensure Ukraine gains air superiority, but instead, not a single aircraft has been provided to Ukraine."
Trump has wavered on the issue of support for Ukraine, withdrawing and then resuming it.
Not Taking Trump's Threats Seriously
He began his term with a heated confrontation with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, publicly berating him.
Since then, he has softened somewhat, directing his criticisms more towards Putin. Among other things, Trump has stated, ahead of the meeting scheduled for Friday, that Russia will face "very serious consequences" if they do not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Anders Åslund does not take this threat particularly seriously.
"It's a threat he often uses," he says.