Vladimir Putin, World’s Most Powerful Leader

Donald Trump is president of the United States, but unlike his recent predecessors he’s not the world’s most powerful leader.

That title belongs to Vladimir Putin, who is continuing to meddle in international elections as he attempts to create a new alliance that’s sympathetic to Russia’s needs.

While Hillary Clinton was her own worst enemy, it’s very possible she would have squeaked out narrow wins in razor-thin swing states if it wasn’t for Russia’s determination to help the Trump campaign.

“Russia’s goals were to undermine public faith in the U.S. democratic process, denigrate Secretary Clinton and harm her electability and potential presidency,” a U.S. intelligence report determined in January.

“We further assess Putin and the Russian Government developed a clear preference for President-elect Trump.”

Now comes reports that Russian hackers have targeted the campaign of centrist French presidential candidate Emannuel Macron, according to security researchers at Trend Micro.

“The report has heightened concerns that Russia may turn its playbook on France in an effort to harm Mr. Macron’s candidacy and bolster that of Mr. Macron’s rival, the National Front leader Marine Le Pen, in the final weeks of the French presidential campaign,” the New York Times reported Monday.

Le Pen is open to leaving the European Union — a move that would further weaken the EU and delight Russia.

But if Le Pen wins in France and the Russians play a role in influencing the elections of both the U.S. and France, Putin can certainly boast the title of world’s most powerful leader.

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