Sir Peter Westmacott on Trump's Shifting Stance with Putin and US Foreign Policy

Trump's Evolving Relationship with Putin

• 💡 Sir Peter Westmacott observes signs that Donald Trump is losing patience with Vladimir Putin, a shift potentially influenced by being "lied to" by the Kremlin.
• ⚠️ While Trump has expressed frustration with Putin before, this current stance may indicate a different approach to the relationship, moving beyond previous inclinations to give Putin the benefit of the doubt.
• ⛽ The context includes broader US foreign policy actions, such as seizing a Russian-flagged oil tanker and discussing oil supplies with Iran, Russia, and Venezuela, suggesting a pressure campaign beyond military action.

US Foreign Policy and International Order

• 🚢 The US has demonstrated military power by seizing a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic, described as an "extraordinary week" shaking the international order.
• 🇻🇪 President Trump has also indicated the US could be Venezuela's "overlord" for years, following the capture of its de facto leader.
• 🇩🇰 The White House is reportedly considering a bid to buy Greenland from Denmark, signaling a bullish foreign policy approach.

UK-US Relations Amidst Shifting Global Dynamics

• 🤝 The UK government supported the US in taking possession of the tanker, reinforcing sanctions against countries trading oil contrary to international agreements, including Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, and potentially Russia.
• 🌍 The traditional UK approach to influencing the White House is through private diplomacy rather than public criticism, aiming to maintain good personal relations with key decision-makers.
• 🏛️ This strategy is particularly important when the normal machinery of government in Washington is not functioning, and decisions are made more erratically.

Advice for the New British Ambassador

• 🔑 The fundamental advice for the new British ambassador to the US is to cultivate strong personal relationships with the critical policy-making individuals around the President, rather than focusing on befriending the President directly.
• 🇬🇧 This focus on key staff is crucial for maintaining influence and navigating the complex US political landscape, especially given the UK's reliance on the US for security and defense.