"Ukraine at a Crossroads: Trump Being Used as Pawn in Putin's Game"
As the US Thanksgiving Day deadline for Ukraine peace talks came and went, Russia expert Mark Galeotti pointed to a key indicator of how the Kremlin is handling diplomatic efforts. A government paper revealed that Vladimir Putin has no interest in a ceasefire followed by talks that would defend Ukraine's sovereignty, but rather seeks its reabsorption into Moscow's orbit.
Putin's demands for further Ukrainian territory are non-negotiable, and his rhetoric towards Volodymyr Zelenskyy's government is increasingly vitriolic. The Russian president has called the Ukrainian leader "illegitimate" and questioned the legitimacy of any future agreement. This approach has led to a flawed peace plan that calls for an end to fighting as a precondition for talks over territory, mirroring the Kremlin's own wishlist.
The US role in these negotiations is problematic, with Donald Trump being strung along by Putin. The President's desire to do business with Russia and his own sense of self-importance may lead him to inadvertently facilitate Moscow's agenda. This would be catastrophic for Ukraine, which has already suffered four years of resistance, sacrifice, and suffering.
Europe must not let this happen. Providing Kyiv with sufficient financial and military resources to resist Russian aggression is essential. This can come through various channels, including a "reparations loan" underwritten by frozen Russian assets or the EU budget. The key is for European leaders to send a clear signal that they will resolutely defend Ukraine's right to a just peace.
Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy must be given more control over his own destiny. He needs resources and support to resist Russia's advances in eastern Ukraine. As the Kremlin seeks leverage through battlefield attrition and diplomatic pressure, Europe must offer a powerful counterbalance. The fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance, and it is imperative that the international community acts swiftly to prevent a cynical carve-up.
As the US Thanksgiving Day deadline for Ukraine peace talks came and went, Russia expert Mark Galeotti pointed to a key indicator of how the Kremlin is handling diplomatic efforts. A government paper revealed that Vladimir Putin has no interest in a ceasefire followed by talks that would defend Ukraine's sovereignty, but rather seeks its reabsorption into Moscow's orbit.
Putin's demands for further Ukrainian territory are non-negotiable, and his rhetoric towards Volodymyr Zelenskyy's government is increasingly vitriolic. The Russian president has called the Ukrainian leader "illegitimate" and questioned the legitimacy of any future agreement. This approach has led to a flawed peace plan that calls for an end to fighting as a precondition for talks over territory, mirroring the Kremlin's own wishlist.
The US role in these negotiations is problematic, with Donald Trump being strung along by Putin. The President's desire to do business with Russia and his own sense of self-importance may lead him to inadvertently facilitate Moscow's agenda. This would be catastrophic for Ukraine, which has already suffered four years of resistance, sacrifice, and suffering.
Europe must not let this happen. Providing Kyiv with sufficient financial and military resources to resist Russian aggression is essential. This can come through various channels, including a "reparations loan" underwritten by frozen Russian assets or the EU budget. The key is for European leaders to send a clear signal that they will resolutely defend Ukraine's right to a just peace.
Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy must be given more control over his own destiny. He needs resources and support to resist Russia's advances in eastern Ukraine. As the Kremlin seeks leverage through battlefield attrition and diplomatic pressure, Europe must offer a powerful counterbalance. The fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance, and it is imperative that the international community acts swiftly to prevent a cynical carve-up.