America's new alignment with Russia has upended a world order that has been in place for decades. US President Donald Trump's new deference to the Kremlin has alarmed many in the west. Trump and his administration have taken several steps favoring Russia, without appearing to require anything in return.
The first bombshell was an announcement in February by the new US defense secretary that Ukraine's goals of NATO membership and a return to pre-2014 borders were 'unrealistic'. In another boost to Vladimir Putin, the US agreed to hold talks with Russia on ending the war but excluded Ukraine. In a further rehabilitation, Trump said Russia should be re-admitted to the G7. Then in what critics are calling one of the most incomprehensible examples: the US sided with Russia in UN resolutions on Ukraine that contained no criticism of Moscow - again without appearing to demand concessions.
All the above have happened since Trump was inaugurated in January. But Trump's relationship with Russia and Putin goes back much further.
Journalist and New York Times bestselling author Craig Unger says that Donald Trump is indeed a Russian asset.