Here are a couple of Trump's recent statements on Russia
Trump on Russia-1
Donald Trump said he would soon speak with Mr. Tillerson to hear more about his visit to Russia. He said that the "end result is what's important; not just talk".
He said it would be "wonderful" if NATO and our country "could get along with Russia".
"We are not getting along with Russia at all," Mr Trump said. "It's at an all time low." "Russia is a strong country. We are a very very strong country. We'll see how that works out. It would be a fantastic thing if we could get along with Putin. It may not happen; it may be just the opposite."
and
Trump on Russia-2
"Things will work out fine between the U.S.A. and Russia. At the right time everyone will come to their senses & there will be lasting peace!" (Twitter)
Now, as many have reported and speculated upon, it is highly likely Donald Trump and his businesses are financially obligated to Russian individuals and entities.
For example, the latest speculation is from a former MI6 Chief
As for the president’s personal position, he said, “What lingers for Trump may be what deals—on what terms—he did after the financial crisis of 2008 to borrow Russian money when others in the west apparently would not lend to him.”
Then there is the fact that Trump will not release his taxes. A patriotic person, who one day unexpectedly found himself elected US President, would want to be transparent about his finances to forestall being manipulated by his creditors. Trump is clearly not that person.
In addition, Trump has his children and their futures all tied up in his businesses. Perhaps, with all the debt servicing in their multiple businesses, they have major cash flow issues. They are rich, but a lot of cash has to be incoming and outgoing to keep the businesses afloat.
So let us think this through.
Assume it is fact that Trump is indebted to unknown Russians. Now, Trump needs a viable Trump business after he leaves the White House- at the most basic level, he has to have enough to eat after he leaves the White House. His children and grandchildren need a viable Trump business now; they have to have enough to eat on a day to day basis now. Gentle reader, imagine your entire financial solvency depends on the good will of some guy, wouldn’t you worry about offending him and about how you and your family will eat if you do?
Now, if Trump is indebted to unknown Russians, and he looks like he is making US government or military policy unfavorable to Putin and Russians, those Russians can completely and utterly ruin him and his family almost instantly. The Trumps will then all become paupers, and after Trump leaves office, he, his children and grandchildren would have no income.
On the other hand, suppose that Trump manages to refrain from making US government and military policy detrimental to Russia. He and his family can continue to profit from their businesses and manage their cash flows by leveraging his Presidency. If he can, in fact, make US policy favorable to Russia, Trump and his children could potentially earn from grateful Russian oligarchs, a slice of the Arctic oil business. This would end their cash flow sorrows for ever and they would live like kings for the next 10 generations. The Trumps can be the next Rockefellers or Vanderbilts.
So close your eyes and listen when Donald Trump speaks of Russia or Russia policy. Realize that when he speaks of Russia, he is likely sending silent signals to his Russian creditors to remain happy and hopeful; he is saving himself, his children and grandchildren from being made paupers, and he is setting the stage to earn generational riches.
Just listen, put yourself in his shoes and you will realize that that is quite likely the case.