Nigeria, Aug. 21 -- European leaders often portray Russian President Vladimir Putin as a tyrant, a land grabber, and a Russian bear. And following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine War three years ago, the deadliest in Europe since World War II, Putin has gone from being a bad guy in Western European eyes to being something worse: a war criminal.

Yet, the biggest enigma across many Western capitals is why US President Donald Trump, the leader of the free world, is eager to embody everything that the West despises about Putin. Trump is enamoured of Putin. His admiration for the Russian president was once again evident during their 15 August meeting in Alaska.

Waiting for Putin

As Trump waited for Putin on the red carpet, you could almo...