Axios: Trump plays 'Russian roulette' betting on Putin

Three weeks before the congressional elections, U.S. President Trump launched a five-day campaign of concessions to Moscow and public defense of Russia.

The Kremlin's gain is clear. What Trump gets — not so much. Even analysts doubt that Russian diesel will significantly lower fuel prices, which was the stated goal.

Meanwhile, the move is toxic even for Trump's own base. A January YouGov poll showed that 81% of his voters view Putin negatively.

Still, Trump continues to insist that Putin wants to end the war more than Zelensky does.

All this comes as Republicans risk losing control of Congress. If so, Trump would face not only a blocked legislative agenda but years of investigations into his administration's actions.