In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here.We need to stop obsessing over whether Russian sharing of targeting intelligence allowed Iran to kill Americans. Whether or not Moscow enabled these particular attacks, it’s a devoted enemy that attacks America relentlessly.Under President Vladimir Putin, Russian animus toward the United States is rooted in a deeply held anti-American ideology. The Russian government places great importance on manipulating U.S. policymakers into believing that it seeks only pragmatic, mutually respectful engagement. At the same time, Russia does everything possible to undermine America.
Consider the photo attached to this article. It shows a Kremlin embrace between Kirill Dmitriev and another man earlier this year. Dmitriev’s shtick is that he is a pro-American bon vivant who, when not reveling in Miami Beach Jet Skiing outings, pursues earnest engagement with the Trump administration toward ending the war in Ukraine.Adm. Igor Kostyukov, head of Russian military intelligence and head of Russia’s team in security talks with the United States and Ukraine, left, embraces Putin’s envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, prior to a meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Jan. 29, 2026. (Maxim Shipenkov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
