By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Sources close to the Kremlin indicate that President Putin believes escalating military action is the most effective strategy to compel Ukraine to negotiate on Russia’s terms. Following President Zelensky’s rejection of Putin’s territorial demands, attacks on both military and civilian targets have intensified. Putin plans to persist in targeting Ukraine’s energy and infrastructure, aiming to weaken the country’s resolve.
Read the original article here
Putin Decides He Can Step Up Attacks on Kyiv and Trump Won’t Act, because this is a conclusion that seems to have been reached. It’s a simple assessment: Putin believes he can ratchet up the pressure on Ukraine, specifically targeting Kyiv, and that Donald Trump, if back in office, won’t lift a finger. The underlying rationale seems to stem from a perceived lack of interest on Trump’s part in the conflict. This is the core assumption fueling the escalation, a risky gamble predicated on the belief that the U.S. won’t provide any substantial support to Ukraine.
The key takeaway, based on information from sources such as Bloomberg News, is that Putin feels emboldened. Meetings in Alaska, it seems, solidified his impression. These conversations convinced him that Trump isn’t inclined to intervene, or offer significant defense. This conviction has directly led to an increase in attacks, both on military and civilian targets. Putin’s plan now involves continued targeting of Kyiv’s vital infrastructure. This strategy isn’t just about military gains; it’s about wearing down Ukraine’s resolve and potentially forcing them to the negotiating table on terms favorable to Russia.
The perceived inaction of the U.S. under a potential second Trump presidency is not a surprise for many. The idea that Trump would simply sit back and watch, or potentially even tacitly approve, isn’t new. It’s seen as a continuation of a pattern. The consensus seems to be that Trump would prioritize his own interests and wouldn’t act unless it directly benefited him, a belief that has been circulating for quite some time. This perspective portrays him as someone who lacks the backbone necessary to stand up to Putin.
Furthermore, the potential repercussions go beyond just Ukraine. The perception of a weak and indifferent U.S. president has broader geopolitical implications. It invites other adversaries, like China’s Xi and North Korea’s Kim, to test the waters, potentially leading to further instability and conflict. The potential for Russia, in the face of the oil shortages at home due to the Ukranian actions, to also weaponize social media to cause unrest in the U.S. further raises the stakes. The potential crippling of NATO is seen as a real threat if this assessment rings true.
Critics view this potential scenario with alarm. The idea of a U.S. president unwilling to uphold its alliances and protect its interests is seen as detrimental to America’s standing on the world stage. Military spending seems wasted if there’s no willingness to use force, leaving the US appearing pathetic in the world’s eyes. There’s a strong sense that America could become a puppet on a string, with adversaries gaining the upper hand.
The core worry is that Trump, with his perceived connections and vulnerabilities, may be compromised. This situation becomes increasingly concerning when considering the potential for him to be swayed, influenced, or even blackmailed.
In this scenario, with Trump not reacting, Russia is free to ramp up pressure on Ukraine and the U.S.’s allies.
It’s a bleak assessment, one that paints a concerning picture of a world order where the U.S. isn’t prepared to act when vital interests are at stake, and allies will become hesitant to trust in the US.