The Kremlin fears that Russians may perceive Trump as stronger than Putin, according to ISW.
The Kremlin is concerned that Russians may perceive U.S. President Donald Trump as more powerful than dictator Vladimir Putin. Consequently, the Russian regime has instructed the media to mention Trump less frequently.
This information comes from RBK-Ukraine, citing a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The Russian publication "Meduza" reported that the Kremlin directed Russian state media to portray the phone call between Trump and Putin on February 12 as "Putin's initiative and victory," and to use Trump's name less often when covering this topic and other events.
"The Kremlin is worried that the Russian public might view Trump as a more 'proactive and decisive' leader than Putin, and wants Russian media to emphasize that only Putin is responsible for the outcome of the negotiations," the report states.
It is noted that the Kremlin does not want the Russian public to see Trump as a "strong leader capable of changing the situation," while viewing Putin as passive or weak in comparison.
Previously, Trump was portrayed in Russia as a pragmatic leader with whom the country could work.
"The Kremlin may be trying to negatively alter the perception of Trump among the Russian public to highlight Putin's strength and power in light of reports about potential future peace talks and bilateral negotiations," analysts note.
Trump and Putin's Conversation
Recall that Trump spoke with Putin on February 12, and later with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The U.S. President expressed his desire to meet with Putin and did not rule out that the meeting could take place in Saudi Arabia.
Trump did not specify a potential date for such a meeting. The Kremlin also claimed that Trump and Putin supposedly instructed their aides to begin preparations for the meeting.
Later, the American leader stated that he had "wonderful negotiations" with Russia and Ukraine. According to him, there is a "good opportunity to end the war."