President Donald Trump introduced Wednesday on Fact Social that he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the primary time since being sworn into workplace. Throughout the 90-minute name and on social media, Trump signaled a shift in U.S. coverage that might retreat from the robust assist of Ukraine seen throughout Joe Biden’s administration.
This marks a particular shift in Russia’s warfare in opposition to Ukraine—with a possible deal between the U.S. and Russia that might have lasting advantages for Putin as he’s given the inexperienced gentle to proceed the annexation of the sovereign nation he invaded in 2022.
“I just had a lengthy and highly productive phone call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia,” Trump stated in his put up. “As we both agreed, we want to stop the millions of deaths taking place in the War with Russia/Ukraine. President Putin even used my powerful Campaign motto of, ‘COMMON SENSE.’ We both believe very strongly in it. We agreed to work together, very closely, including visiting each other’s Nations. We have also agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately, and we will begin by calling President Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, to inform him of the conversation, something which I will be doing right now.”
Based on the state-run account TASS Russian Media, the Kremlin confirmed the telephone name with Trump by way of a Telegram put up.
Not solely did Trump say that he’d start negotiations “immediately” between the U.S. and Russia, however he additionally referenced Putin’s use of Trump’s “power campaign motto” of “common sense.”
How does Trump not see that Putin is aware of how one can get what he desires by enjoying to Trump’s fragile ego and have to be seen as an influential strongman?
An hour later, Trump posted that he had, certainly, spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying on Fact Social that Zelenskyy agreed that Ukraine “wants to make PEACE.”
“It is time to stop this ridiculous War, where there has been massive, and totally unnecessary, DEATH and DESTRUCTION,” Trump added. “God bless the people of Russia and Ukraine!”
Zelenskyy took to X after the telephone name and stated in a video assertion, “We believe that America’s stretch is sufficient to pressure Russia and Putin into peace.”
“I had a long and detailed conversation with President Trump,” wrote Zelenskyy. “I appreciate his genuine interest in our shared opportunities and how we can bring about real peace together.”
Coincidentally, Trump’s bulletins got here shortly after the U.S. Division of Protection introduced it could capitulate to Russia in drawing Ukraine’s borders. On Wednesday, Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Ukraine’s pre-invasion borders had been “an unrealistic objective” and an “illusionary goal” throughout his first journey to fulfill with NATO in Brussels.
Earlier than being elected to his second time period, Trump vowed to finish U.S. funding to Ukraine—regardless that the majority of People assist it. He picked horrible Cupboard nominees like Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., each of whom have spouted pro-Russian speaking factors.
In the meantime, on Monday, in a transfer that Each day Kos’ Markos Moulitsas described as really “morally repugnant,” Trump wasted no time leveraging U.S. overseas help to Ukraine in trade for $500 billion of its mineral reserves.
“I told [Ukraine] that I want the equivalent, like $500 billion worth of rare earth,” Trump stated in an interview with Fox Information. “And they’ve essentially agreed to do that, so at least we don’t feel stupid. Otherwise, we’re stupid. I said to them we have to—we have to get something. We can’t continue to pay this money.”
World democracy be damned.
On Tuesday, Trump continued wheeling and coping with the Kremlin. He freed accused Russian cash launderer Alexander Vinnik in trade for wrongfully detained American instructor Marc Fogel. Fogel, draped in an American flag, met Trump exterior the White Home late Tuesday and known as him a “hero.”
Trump’s overseas coverage technique apparently consists of abandoning allies, appeasing adversaries, and profiting off world instability. His reckless strikes and chaotic governance not solely threaten our nationwide safety by emboldening Russia, but in addition undermine the ideas of democracy the U.S. as soon as championed.
