Ken Dekleva, a psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience, has become a trusted authority in analyzing the behavior of foreign adversaries for American leaders in national security and diplomacy. During a pivotal five-year assignment at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Dekleva not only provided crucial medical support to American diplomats and their families but also embarked on an in-depth study of Russian President Vladimir Putin.In this in-depth interview with Kyiv Post’s Jason Smart, Dekleva explains how he delved deep into researching the psychological underpinnings of Putin’s decision-making and strategic maneuvers. By observing the president in the complex environment of Russian politics, Dekleva was able to piece together a profile that offers rare insights into Putin’s authoritative methods and long-term political strategies. His analysis raises important questions at a time when global diplomatic dynamics are more critical than ever.Among these questions are: What negotiation tactics should the U.S. and Ukraine adopt when engaging with Russia? How might President Zelensky craft an appeal that resonates with key figures like Donald Trump? And, crucially, does Putin see Trump as a significant player on the international stage?As tensions continue to simmer on the global front, Dekleva’s unique perspective provides policymakers with valuable context for navigating these complex challenges. His extensive background and focused research into Putin’s methods underscore the importance of understanding not just the policies, but the personality driving Russia’s actions.Dr Dekleva is also an accomplished author.