The delusion persists. Ever since Vladimir Putin became Russia’s president in 2000, four U.S. presidents have wanted to be his friend. And every time, the relationship ends in tears. President Trump is the latest suitor. On February 18, he dispatched Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to Saudi Arabia for meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The goal: Set the table for peace talks on Ukraine and reduce tensions