Donald Trump's former adviser on Russia issues saw with his own eyes how scared Donald Trump became when Russia showed up with several so-called super weapons, including the country's first hypersonic robot. In a simulation, the robot was seen diving down towards a peninsula, very similar to Florida, where Donald Trump's residence Mar-a Lago is located.
It caught Trump's attention, says Hill to The Daily Telegraph.
Fear of nuclear war
The event took place in March 2018, during Trump's first presidential term.
Trump said something like "Why did he do that? Real countries don't do that", says Fiona Hill.
According to her, Trump is afraid of nuclear war and therefore treats Putin with respect. The fear is part of the American president's view of the world à la 1980s, she believes, including when it comes to foreign policy.
Hill herself believes that there is a risk of a third world war, but according to her, it will hardly come in the form of a nuclear attack.
Now it's much more about critical national infrastructure and sabotage, poisoning and assassination, she says to the newspaper.
Fiona Hill, born and raised in northeastern England, has worked for three presidents in the USA: George W Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump.
No new sanctions
During Trump's election campaign last fall, he promised a quick end to the Russian invasion war in Ukraine, but the desired results have not yet come.
The USA has not imposed new sanctions against Russia, but has instead offered agreements with the hope that it can motivate Russia to a ceasefire and peace. The two presidents spoke on the phone last week, a conversation that according to Trump was "excellent", but Hill wonders what Trump can offer that the Russians don't already have.
She also points out that the Russian diplomats are experienced, skilled and "can persuade a donkey".
If you offer the Russians a carrot, they'll just eat it, or they'll take it and hit you on the head with it.
