By Matt Underwood It’s pretty clear where this is heading: “He ended game,” Putin’s ally praises Trump’s Tomahawk bluff, and the rejection of peace without Ukraine’s capitulation. It’s a complicated dance, and honestly, it’s hard to know who’s playing whom. The whole situation is like a bad poker game where everyone suspects everyone else is holding a losing hand, but no one wants to fold.
When you see a Putin ally, or someone seemingly aligned with the Kremlin, praising Trump, it should set off alarm bells. It raises the question: is Trump inadvertently, or perhaps knowingly, serving Russia’s interests? The use of the word “bluff” is telling. It suggests that Russia doesn’t take Trump’s tough talk seriously. They might see him as someone they can manipulate, a useful idiot, perhaps, who is more interested in appearances than real action. It paints a picture of Trump being played, a pawn in a larger game.
The comments certainly make it sound that way. “TACO Trump” is a recurring insult, a jab at his perceived weakness. It suggests that Trump is more interested in avoiding conflict than actually standing up to Putin. It also raises questions about the information Moscow might have on Trump, perhaps something that could be used as leverage. The possibility that Russia possesses compromising material is a serious one, and it certainly colors the way the situation is viewed. It’s a dangerous game of power, and Trump is right in the center of it.
The calls for European leaders to step up and take control of negotiations are interesting. It highlights a feeling that Trump is not a reliable actor in this situation, that he’s more of a hindrance than a help. The idea of a NATO without the US is also floated, which gives us an idea of the kinds of concerns the situation raises, and it is a point to consider. The U.S., which should be Ukraine’s ally, could be seen as an adversary. It’s a sign of a deep-seated frustration with the situation, and the feeling that a strong leader should be stepping forward to put a stop to the conflict.
The whole thing seems to revolve around the idea of a stalemate, that Russia won’t back down and Ukraine can’t win. Ukraine’s ability to win is questioned. The emphasis on Russia’s vast resources and potential for a long war is very concerning. The idea of Ukraine being forced to capitulate to Moscow, or the conflict escalating into global conflict, is not a good outcome.
The military situation is another important factor. The comments highlight the fact that Ukraine needs ships to launch Tomahawk missiles, which are currently unavailable. The discussion shows a recognition that the US can cripple Russia financially.
The whole thing is a mess. It’s a tragic arc, and the situation is getting worse. If Putin believed this would happen, he would have never invaded. Now he’s stuck, he can’t fold. The outcome of this struggle is uncertain.