[nrawe]

I agree with your point about Putin waiting for the WH administration to change. Were the president hawkish on Russia, however, I still doubt Putin would back down.

Putin needs to be seen to win at home to play to his core base. Biden wouldn't let him, Trump will, but to Putin that means:

1. Control of annexed territory. 2. No Ukrainian nukes. 3. No NATO/EU membership for Ukraine. 4. Zelenski removed and puppet/anti-democratic leader installed.

What we're hearing post-meeting is Trump laying the groundwork for point 4 and taking a firm position on 1.