General Discussion

They certainly know they are going to be insulted, humiliated and lied to/about if they trek to the WH. Some of them have to, like Zelenskyy, who needs military support. He puts up with Trump because, in the process, he maintains sympathy and support in Congress and with the American people.

Others undoubtedly believe that they are better at handling people like Trump, or that Trump would have no reason to humiliate them. They lose every time.

But some might be facing a questioning public at home. If they are thinking that they must pursue a more antagonistic policy against the USA, a public humiliation can solidify the support needed in their home politics.