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Always afford peace an opportunity. The idea that US President Donald Trump “thinks differently” has become a frequently used phrase.
He might introduce a novel perspective and rejuvenated vigor to resolving Russia’s conflict in Ukraine where previous efforts have faltered.
Nonetheless, some unsettling indications have emerged, reinforcing concerns that Ukraine has been forsaken even before negotiations commence.
Mr Trump was unable to assert on Wednesday that Ukraine and Russia are equal stakeholders in any forthcoming discussions.
Stay updated: Latest on the Ukraine war
President Trump and Vladimir Putin shaking hands in Helsinki in 2018. Photo: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
When questioned if they were equal, he replied: “Hmm, that’s an intriguing question.”
He remarked that the Ukrainians “will need to establish peace”.
“Their citizens are being killed, and I believe they should pursue peace,” he added.
More troubling is his apparent readiness to put faith in Vladimir Putin.
He seems content to accept the assurances of a leader who sent operatives to Britain to commit murder using chemical agents, who has consistently deceived about his intentions to invade Ukraine, and who has ruthlessly eliminated every adversary who posed a threat.
“He asserted that if it (the dispute) concludes, he wishes it to finish,” Mr Trump stated, as though that suffices.
“He does not intend to resolve the situation only to return to conflict in six months.”
This echoes the actions of Neville Chamberlain, who returned from Munich in 1938 waving a document proclaiming “peace in our time” after receiving what he believed were similar guarantees from Adolf Hitler.
For Ukrainians, the similarities with 1938 extend further.
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Will Trump’s call with Putin bring peace closer?
They are being instructed that even prior to negotiations, they will have to concede portions of their territory that have been seized through violent means.
Ukrainians draw parallels with Czechoslovakia being compelled to cede the Sudetenland to Hitler. Chamberlain was convinced that this concession would be adequate to placate Hitler. History is well aware of what transpired thereafter.
They possess every justification to be apprehensive.
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There is nothing in the statements made by the Russian leader to instill confidence that conceding one-fifth of Ukraine would suffice to placate him.
Indeed, in various speeches, he has been unequivocally and explicitly clear on numerous occasions. He desires the entirety of Ukraine as he perceives it as an integral part of Russia.
Furthermore, he aspires to reshape the security framework of Europe.
Additionally, Mr Trump appears to be yielding to Mr Putin on this matter too, acceding to one of the pivotal pre-war conditions he articulated in 2021 before invading his neighboring nation: the reduction of America’s military presence in NATO across Europe that
“`was announced by US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth in Brussels yesterday.
Trump is relinquishing a significant amount of the leverage he held over the Russians even before negotiations have commenced. This comes from an individual who proclaimed in his book, The Art of the Deal, that leverage is paramount in negotiations.
“Avoid making agreements without it.”
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Ukraine getting all land back ‘not realistic’
The situation raises questions and remains puzzling. It suggests that Mr. Putin may possess some level of influence over Mr. Trump.
The last time they spoke in Helsinki, the president supported Mr. Putin’s stance against his own intelligence agencies regarding allegations of Russian interference in elections.
During his tenure as a spy in East Germany, Mr. Putin was trained in KGB methodologies aimed at understanding and misleading adversaries.
He has applied these techniques throughout his career, most notably with George W. Bush, who famously remarked: “I looked into his eyes and saw a soul. I trusted him.”
Should Mr. Trump be swayed to align with Mr. Putin regarding Ukraine, it would mean a dictator has been rewarded for his aggression against a neighboring state. Such a response would yield an environment where hostility triumphs.
This would establish a precedent with concerning ramifications for other nations adjacent to Russia and beyond.
In the eastern region, as Mr. Xi Jinping of China contemplates a forceful acquisition of Taiwan, he too will undoubtedly be taking notes.
The repercussions of this scenario may not lead to the anticipated peace, but rather the stark contrast.
