However, Trump told reporters that he thinks the leaders are going to the meeting without looking for too much.
What Putin Wants
Putin will have a chance to start repairing relations with the United States after years of tension. The recent allegations regarding his intelligence officials won’t help matters on that front.
Putin says he wants the U.S. to pull back NATO forces near Russia’s borders, lift sanctions and restore business with Moscow. Putin wants to persuade the U.S. to recognize Russia as a global player. Also, he hopes that the U.S. will acknowledge Russia’s influence in its region.
Putin knows that one meeting won’t create significant progress. These are long-term goals. He sees this meeting as an opportunity to set the stage for high-level contacts. Putin also wants to develop a good rapport with Trump.
Trump criticized NATO allies and suggested that Russia should be back in the Group of Seven club. Moscow views these comments with optimism, but no euphoria.
Fyodor Lukyanov, the chairman of the Council for Foreign and Defense Policies, said that U.S.-Russia ties have never been as bad as they are now. He views this meeting, however, as the first step toward better relations.
