John Reed, an American journalist, famously wrote about the 1917 Russian Revolution in his book, *Ten Days That Shook The World*. But lately, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have stirred up even more change in just a week.
It all started on February 12 with a phone call between Trump and Putin. They discussed their plans to improve relations. Soon after, at the Munich Security Conference, tensions between Europe and America became clear.
The next big step was a meeting in Saudi Arabia. This was the first face-to-face talk between the two countries since Russia invaded Ukraine. In just one week, traditional alliances have been shaken. Europe and Ukraine are feeling uncertain about their security, while Russia seems to have gained a stronger position on the global stage.
Russian newspapers on Wednesday highlighted talks between senior officials from both nations in Riyadh. The Kremlin wants its citizens and the world to see that attempts to isolate Russia are failing.
Some Russian media outlets express optimism about improved ties with the U.S. They criticize European leaders and Ukraine, believing that Trump will have to make concessions that favor Russia. One pro-Kremlin tabloid commented that Europe was unaware of its weakened state.
However, everyday people in Moscow have a different outlook. They are cautiously optimistic, wondering if Trump can truly become an ally and help end the war in Ukraine. Nadezhda, a local, feels that Trump, with his business background, might not bring about real change. “There’s too much that needs fixing,” she says.
Giorgi, another resident, hopes the Saudi talks will ease hostilities. “It’s about time we stop being enemies,” he shares.
Irina echoes this sentiment, expressing hope that negotiations could lead to peace and help their struggling economy due to rising prices linked to the ongoing conflict.
The dialogue between Trump and Putin has begun, and a presidential summit is anticipated soon. Recently, a Russian newspaper jokingly speculated about their phone conversation, imagining Trump suggesting a world division. “You’ve got a cool country, and I’ve got a cool country. Shall we divide up the world?” it imagined him asking. While this scenario may seem fanciful, only time will tell what will come of these discussions.
