In a classic strategic maneuver, Russian President Vladimir Putin is “playing the man, not the ball” by focusing his public comments on praising Donald Trump personally, rather than addressing the specific demands of the U.S. ultimatum on Ukraine.
By calling Trump a “light at the end of the tunnel,” Putin is attempting to shift the dynamic from a contentious policy dispute to a more amicable personal relationship. This is a tactic aimed at disarming his opponent and creating a more favorable atmosphere for negotiation.
This approach is tailored to a U.S. president who is known to respond positively to personal flattery and expressions of respect. It is a bet that building goodwill with Trump himself is more effective than arguing the geopolitical merits of the U.S. position.
While playing the man, Putin has not ignored the ball entirely; his defense of sovereignty shows he is still keenly aware of the core issues. However, his primary strategy is clear: win over the referee, and the outcome of the game might just go your way.