Trump And Putin’s Relationship Is On The Rocks. We Asked A Couples Therapist To Weigh In.

Trump held tightly to his trumped-up, idealized version of Putin because he believed he was equally admired and respected by the other man, and that his loyalty would allow him to influence Putin’s actions.

That doesn’t seem to be the case, which may come as a surprise to Trump, but not to outsiders, which — again — mirrors an unhealthy relationship dynamic “when the world sees what you don’t because you are too far in it, or invested in your version until something breaks through the denial,” Ross said.

While it does appear that Trump is finally waking up when it comes to all things Vlads, the tone he’s taking lately is the opposite of strong or statesmanly. Those Truth Social posts speak to Trump’s insecurity and need for approval and validation. 

“The ‘Vladimir, STOP!’ statement is oddly childish and groveling,” Ross said. “It’s the way you would speak to someone you are very familiar with and close to. He’s trying to express his disapproval and yet hoping to maintain the perceived relationship, the emotional attachment he has to Putin.”

It won’t be effective, because Putin doesn’t need the approval and validation the way Trump does, Ross said.