By John Q. Hosedrinker 
According to Bloomberg sources, former US President Donald Trump has communicated to European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Russian President Vladimir Putin maintains his demand for Ukraine to cede control of the entire Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Trump reportedly suggested that Putin would agree to security guarantees for Ukraine without NATO’s involvement, potentially involving a territorial compromise. Sources indicate Russia is prepared to relinquish claims on areas of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts it doesn’t currently control, freezing the front line. Some European officials are reportedly concerned that Trump may pressure Zelenskyy to make territorial concessions to achieve a deal.
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Putin still demands the entire Donbas region, a fact that seems to be lost on some, yet remains the core of the issue. This unwavering stance by Putin effectively means he is still unwilling to compromise on the fundamental objective of the war. It’s a simple, stark reality: his goals haven’t shifted, and any talk of peace must begin with recognizing this unyielding demand. There is no sign of any change in his objectives.
Now, the involvement of figures like Trump, while seemingly aimed at brokering peace, appears to be more about personal gain than a genuine commitment to resolving the conflict. The motivations behind these high-level meetings are rightfully questioned, as they often prioritize the image of peacemaking over the substantive needs of the involved parties. The desire for a Nobel Peace Prize, while perhaps a driving factor, distracts from the real issues at hand.
The expected reaction from Zelenskyy is also clear: he will say no to any deal that undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty. This puts Trump in a difficult position, as he might attempt to shift blame onto Zelenskyy if the negotiations fail. This is predictable political theater.
Considering Putin’s position, a compromise is unlikely. His “three-day war” has turned into a costly, multi-year conflict that has significantly weakened Russia’s military and economy. Abandoning his claims, especially regarding Donbas, would be a devastating blow to his authority and image, something he is unlikely to accept easily. His leadership is predicated on strength, and backing down now would be seen as a sign of weakness.
The prospect of a stronger Russia emerging from this conflict is a major concern. Giving Putin a victory would embolden him to rebuild the Soviet Union, which would be a dangerous outcome. Therefore, the strategy that seems the most likely to work is to push Russia back with military strength and unwavering support of Ukraine. Sanctions on Russian oil, and more military assistance to Ukraine are essential steps.
We must acknowledge that Putin is not a reasonable actor, nor is he trustworthy. His actions demonstrate a complete disregard for international norms and a thirst for expansion. Stopping him, therefore, becomes a global imperative. The need to support Ukraine is a global necessity.
The Epstein files, the infamous records linked to Jeffrey Epstein, are yet another shadow looming over these events. The redacted names and the ongoing mystery surrounding the files only underscore the complex web of relationships and potential conflicts of interest that intertwine with the political landscape. Trump is often seen as trying to distract from the Epstein files.
It’s painfully clear that this is not a simple situation. The meeting likely yielded nothing of substance. This has been proven by the ongoing military conflict.
The European response to this conflict has been mixed, with a lot of talk but, perhaps, insufficient action. If Europe wants to genuinely influence the situation and help Ukraine reclaim its territories, it must step up and consider all available options.
NATO membership for Ukraine, the idea of which seems more and more necessary as the conflict continues, and the only reasonable outcome of any ceasefire. The bare minimum should be NATO membership for Ukraine. Anything less is a win for Russia.
Ultimately, it’s about recognizing the core issue: Putin’s demands and the need to effectively address them.