Iran threats, Maduro capture and mixed messages on Ukraine: How Trump’s foreign policy is boxing in Putin

President Donald Trump runs hot and cold in his relationship with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin — often at the same time. Since the start of the year, the United States has captured Venezuela’s autocratic leader, called for the downfall of Iran’s ruling theocracy and targeted Russian oil trade that has helped keep the Kremlin afloat during the war with Ukraine. Still, Trump maintains a publicly cordial relationship with Putin, has repeatedly issued statements critical of NATO and has often repeated Kremlin talking points when discussing the Ukraine war. These parallel tracks — pressure and courtship — may capture the…