Opinion: In relations between Trump and Kim 'everything went wrong'

US President Donald Trump has not ruled out a possibility of friendship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. However, what lies behind this drastic change of the head of the White House? Russian political expert explains.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said he was trying to be friends with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, hoping to succeed at some point.

"Why did Kim Jong-un decide to offend me by calling me 'old', even though I never called him 'soft and fat'? I want to be your friend so much, maybe one day will work!" Twitter.

Over the past few months, leaders of the two countries have exchanged mutual offenses, even talking about the use of force.

Russian political expert Aleksandr Safonov said in an interview with the editors that the change, perceived in the statements of the US president, is forced.

"As Trump fanned out for a tougher option in order to resolve the crisis in North Korea, he came up against resistance from other major players in the region. Apparently not only China's resilience but could have faced cautious Japan and the new South Korean authorities, "he said.

"For this reason [Donald Trump] was forced to change his approach during the game, ie to make his position more flexible, to show at least the public that he is ready to negotiate, and that he does not put direct pressure on his partners , but, yes, he is willing to listen to them and respect his opinion, "he explains.

All this occurs, Safonov points out, due to the fact that "without approval from other countries in the region, it is simply impossible for the US to solve the North Korean problem."


Nevertheless, the Russian expert himself is sure that the leaders of the United States and North Korea have no chance of establishing good personal relations.

"I think there are no chances, and both sides understand that very well. But Trump needs to make a good face despite not wanting to, because this is another defeat that seriously affects his positions within the US."

"There is a good chance that he thought he would take tougher measures to resolve this issue, but everything went wrong, and now he has to let everyone know that he has expressed himself for peace from the beginning."