NEED TO KNOW
- Kremlin aides say Putin will hand Trump a ceremonial moose race win in Siberia.
- Both teams call it “cultural diplomacy” and a “confidence builder.”
- Staff say Trump already ordered a gold belt buckle for the trophy photo.
From sanctions to saddles
Vladimir Putin plans to give Donald Trump a victory in the opening heat of a Siberian moose race. Kremlin aides say the gift aims to warm the Alaska summit mood and flood TV with friendly images. White House staff do not deny the story. They prefer the word “showcase.”
The race will run on a packed snow oval beside a very large flag. Cameras will sit close. Commentators will speak in heroic tones. The goal is simple: let both leaders claim progress before talks even start.
Trump’s training plan
Trump tells aides he is “a natural rider.” He studies clips of rodeos and points at maps of Alaska like they are playbooks. He also asked for a practice moose on the South Lawn. Staff offered a wooden one from a gift shop. He said it would do for now.
His gear list keeps growing. A hat. A belt buckle. Boots with more shine than sense. He wants a cheering section in matching parkas and a walkout song that mentions the word winner at least three times.
Putin’s quiet edge
Putin trains in private. Russian TV shows him doing lunges beside a snowmobile. No one doubts he can ride. He will set a slow pace, wave once for the camera, and let Trump cross first. Russian anchors will call it sportsmanship. American hosts will call it content.
If Trump stumbles, aides have a plan. Blame a biased moose. Ask for a replay. Announce a rematch after lunch. If he wins clean, he will hold the pose a little longer and say the moment proves peace is close.
The real stakes
Analysts say the race changes little. It sells a story and buys a headline. Talks still hinge on war, weapons, and cash. The moose only want oats and a nap. One diplomat summed it up with a shrug: the only safe victory here belongs to the animals.
Quote of the moment
If diplomacy must run on hooves, at least give the moose overtime pay
Karen Doyle, North Pacific Policy Forum
