Is Vladimir trying to help his pal, Donald, with his threats against the Ukraine?

[kentuck]

Is he making threats of war to take the heat off his former puppet?

If it is, it doesn't seem to be working. Unless, of course, he actually attacks.

But, it does seem to be a modus operandi of Vlad's - to try and get people to focus on something else.

Unfortunately for them, Joe Biden knows their game very well.

[Wounded Bear]

1. Deflection and distraction are primary tools of autocrats the world over...

As for Putin "helping" trump, I doubt it. Contrary to the themes of hundreds of Hollywood movies, there really is no honor among thieves. trump was a uselful idiot for Putin, now that he's out of office I don't see him being all the useful any more, other than in a peripheral disruptive way.

I think much of the "movement" is leaving trump behind anyway. It's taking on a life of its own.

[panader0]

2. It's a possibility, but I'm unsure how that would help spankie.

Would he withdraw if tfg is elected, making a hero of the don? I doubt it. I think Biden has
the EU on his side and Putie knows it.

[Silent3]

3. I'm pretty sure Putin has ambitions for Ukraine no matter what

And he doesn't give a rat's ass about Trump specifically, only Trump's ability to destabilize the US. I'm sure Putin think Trump is a buffoon.

Mainly Putin wants to keep Ukraine out of NATO and in the Russian sphere of influence. I'm not sure how much he wants the territory itself.

The particular timing of Putin's threats are probably about challenging Biden and trying to make Biden look bad, which does help Trump (if it works) of course.

[kentuck]

4. I think Trump has been a very useful idiot for Putin.

He has been a propaganda bonanza in Russia. Putin may wish to try and keep him in the fold a little longer?

[Irish_Dem]

7. Yes, Trump is destabilizing American democracy for Putin.

Of course Putin is keeping Trump in the fold.

[Beastly Boy]

5. Putin is deflecting, but not from Trump.

It has more to do with Putin's declining popularity in Russia. It is near its all-time low. Dangerously low for Putin's comfort. Considering how quickly his popularity skyrocketed when he invaded Crimea, I bet he is looking for a similar diversion to prop up his regime.

Trump has been Putin's useful idiot for a long time, and he is no longer that useful. He already accomplished what Putin wanted: the US is more unstable than it ever was, and its global standing has been compromised, creating room for Putin to maneuver. He couldn't have asked for more, and he is not likely to get more even with Trump continuing to undermine America's institutions. In fact, with Trump remaining prominent, these institutions are likely to take steps to strengthen themselves.

As far as Putin's calculus, Trump remains an idiot, but far less useful than he ever was.

[uponit7771]

6. K&R, as soon as Putin's Whore is perp walked Putin will attack Ukraine

[DavidDvorkin]

8. If anything, an actual invasion of Ukraine is more likely to help Biden

Because the rally-round-the-flag effect. Which admittedly seems to be more powerful when a Republican is in the White House, but I think that in this case, it would work in Biden's favor.

[lame54]

9. Make Biden look weak...

Another election ploy