With the Trump administration still stitching together its foreign policy, priorities and staff, Russia seems intent on expanding its once-shrunken sphere of influence by exploiting gaps in America’s overseas presence.
It’s been a globe-spanning effort, with Russian leader Vladimir Putin using muscle in places like Ukraine and Syria and offering sweeteners to potential allies that he hopes will pay off later. The focus is on countries that have shaky ties with Washington, are strategically located or have abundant natural resources.
A key issue is how Putin’s relationship with new President Donald Trump will pan out. Can two cocky personalities truly be allies …read more
Source: Voice of America
