Hillary Clinton on Vladimir Putin
Hillary Clinton consistently regards Vladimir Putin as an aggressive authoritarian leader and a significant adversary to the United States. During her tenure as Secretary of State and in subsequent commentary, she has argued that confronting Putin requires strength and resolve, stating that this is the only language he understands.
Clinton asserts that Putin actively works to undermine democracy and rule of law globally, making aggressive moves against sovereign nations. She has also suggested that Putin harbors a personal animosity toward her specifically because she stood up to him while serving as the nation's top diplomat.
Her position involves rejecting any notion of flattering Putin or seeking cooperation without clear boundaries, often warning against the perceived ease of dealing with authoritarians. She has publicly condemned Russia's actions, such as its election interference and its invasion of Ukraine, consistently framing Putin as an opponent of democratic aspirations.
Context
As a former First Lady, U.S. Senator, Secretary of State, and presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton's views on Vladimir Putin are significant due to her direct diplomatic experience with him. Her time as Secretary of State (2009–2013) overlapped with the initial phase of the U.S. 'Russian reset' policy, which sought cooperation, though Clinton expressed reservations even then.
Her perspective shapes discussions on U.S.-Russia relations, particularly concerning democratic interference and military aggression. Her strong opposition reflects a consistent foreign policy view prioritizing standing up to adversaries over attempts at strategic partnership when fundamental values clash.
Timeline
- During her first presidential campaign, Hillary Clinton stated her view that Putin lacked a soul, referencing his background as a KGB agent.
- As her tenure as Secretary of State concluded, Clinton wrote a confidential memo advising President Obama to snub Putin upon his return to the presidency.
- Clinton publicly defended the Russian people's right to free and fair elections while condemning Russian officials for manipulating the vote and harassing observers.
- In her memoir, Hard Choices, she recounted a story Putin told her about his parents' survival during the Siege of Leningrad, noting the story differed from his autobiography.
- Clinton stated that Putin runs a regime of repression and makes aggressive moves against neighbors, believing Putin's hostility toward her was partly personal for standing up to him.
- At her portrait unveiling, she needled Putin over NATO expansion following the invasion of Ukraine, stating, 'too bad Vladimir, you brought it on yourself.'
Key Quotes
He needs to get over it... He needs to get over both his history and the greater history that has kept him imprisoned. and kept Russia poor an extractive commodity market that could do so much more on behalf of its own people.
too bad **Vladimir**, you brought it on yourself,” [regarding NATO expansion post-invasion].
I think that strength and resolve were the only language **Putin** would understand.
He was a KGB agent - by definition he doesn't have a soul.
Sources5
The Real Story Behind Hillary Clinton's Feud With Vladimir Putin
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.