Jacob Heilbrunn
Why agree to a deal when Trump may simply abandon Ukraine?
Tensions are mounting over peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Ever since he met with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office in February, President Donald Trump has made it clear that he views him as an obstacle to a settlement. In April, Trump blamed Zelenskyy for starting the war. Now, as peace negotiations are taking place in London (which American officials canceled plans to attend), Trump is lashing into Zelenskyy over his refusal to recognize Russian sovereignty over occupied Ukrainian territory and demand for a full ceasefire.
Who’s bluffing whom? Ukraine is stiffening its stance. No mineral deal has been signed, though Ukraine has agreed to begin work on a free trade area with America. On Wednesday, Zelenskyy declared, “We in Ukraine insist on an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire. We are also ready for an immediate ceasefire at least for civilian targets and have already stated this. This should be a shared first priority with all partners — saving lives.”
Trump was indignant. “He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “We are very close to a Deal, but the man with ‘no cards to play’ should now, finally, GET IT DONE.” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says that Trump is “frustrated” and “his patience is running very thin.” No doubt. Trump, who has the patience of a toddler, promised on the campaign trail that he could deliver peace in our time within twenty-four hours. Now, it’s turned into months.
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