Its possible that Trump would kiss Putin's butt in Macy's window if it would bring a just peace. The carrot/stick tweets might actually be structuring the much sought after exit ramp.
I hold little hope that Trump will do anything in the way to hold Putin and Russia accountable for any of the horrific war crimes and immense war damages they have deliberately inflicted on Ukraine. Trump is just a contemporary, juiced-up internet age version of the money-is-everything American robber baron tycoon. Remember that Joseph Kennedy Sr openly advocated for direct American support as US ambassador to Britain while stationed in London during the Blitz, and that he profited greatly from financing Nasi industries feeding the German war machine in the ththirties. The significant number of American fascist Nazi's, openly visible at their Madison Gardens assembly event, were only suppressed because Hikter made the mistake of immediately declaring war on tge YS right after Pearl Harbour. If he had stayed neutral visas a vis the US, it is quite possible Joseph Kennedy Sr would have won the Republican nomination, beaten FDR in the election, and directly supported Histler the way that Trump is now openly supporting Putin.
Sorry for the typos. My eyesight is not the best anymore and my thumbs are quite big for phone typing, and there doesn't seem to be a way to edit a post to correct it here. I hope everyone can catch the list of my argument here, that Trumo, like Kennedy Sr, can only be trusted to line his pockets. Nothing else.
Diane, I just subscribed because your perspective is unique and valuable. I happen to agree that a lot of what you say will probably come to pass, but I have my doubts that Trump will or can control all the genies he's let out of the bottle. Some thoughts on the webs of power propping him up might be useful.
Your understanding of Trump's commercialization of foreign policy and the benefits it may offer Ukraine in terms of security and U.S. economic development certainly makes sense. To some it may even appear to be a stroke of genius in that it offers at least some security as well as additional revenues from the 50% profits that Ukraine would retain. But we must never forget with whom Ukraine is now dealing: an American president who, in addition to playing hard ball in his business deals, has also deceived and defrauded......and a Russian thug who - in addition to many of the character defects that Trump has, is happy as a clam and ready to declare victory. Neither are credible.
Trump will not - under any circumstance - put himself in a position wherein he is committed to sending troops or additional support to Ukraine. The $500 billion is simply to "recover" prior (i.e. Biden administration) support plus a mega-usurious interest. It will take years to extract and monetize enough mineral deposits to recover the $500 billion, and Putin can easily avoid those sites where Americans are working and alert Trump ahead of time to withdraw any Americans in Ukraine. Trump believes that Ukraine will be fully conquered by Russia someday, and Putin may have already pledged that American interests and personnel in Ukraine will not be touched if that should happen.
Ukrainians are experts at American perfidy and - after the Budapest Memorandum - should not find themselves again facing a "fool me once, shame on you....fool me twice, shame on me." reality. Nothing less than iron clad, congressionally ratified guarantees from the U.S. will suffice. Until then, Trump should be ready to explain to his "stupid and ignorant" supporters why he has not been the 24-hour wunderkind he claimed to be.
All revenues would go into a fund devoted to Ukraine's "security and rebuilding". The most likely benefit to the US is the purchase of surplus F16s and out of date Javelins which would be a huge win/win. Distribution of those profits "might" occur in the future but as it is jointly managed, the initial revenue flows will go where its sorely needed. Bonus Points....it designs out any possibility of Russian oligarchs still living in Ukraine of corrupting the effort.
I was not addressing the revenue stream.....Not sure whether the "agreement" provides for immediate military support through advance credit against the 50% which Ukraine keeps or after the minerals are monetized and profits distributed. In the former case, it would provide for immediate "security" relief, in the latter case, it may be months down the road when Ukraine may no longer need as much because of Ukraine's own increases in production and European contributions.
But the more important issue that I was addressing is that Trump is selling this in part as a type of "security" guarantee because (according to him) Putin would not invade property in which the U.S. has joint interests and personnel. And my answer is that Putin could and would easily do so.....because the several locations where excavation and extraction are going on would in no way be obstacles to an invasion. His forces would simply give wide berth to those areas which are likely to have been vacated of U.S. personnel by that time anyway. It offers "0" security to Ukraine....just another Trump hype of a "lemon" ....."payback" of money that Ukraine has no legal or moral obligation to return and $ multi-billion exploitation of Ukrainian resources....not unlike the Wagner Group in Africa. With such valuable resources, Ukraine would not have much difficulty finding others willing to excavate and pay more than 50% profits.
We'll know better when we find out the actual terms of the proposed agreement.
It will be intriguing to see if this "business" deal short circuits the invasion. Can you imagine the Esprit des Corps of Putins troops in Donetsk being supplied by mules, and watching western global businesses roll in with multi million $ operations to commence mining from under their feet? What did their meat grinder compatriots die for?
Thanks Diane. One comment about the last part " He can come if he wants to". The two gigantic "Strong Man" bullies of the world have been out-shined biggly by a person with no special training in leadership or warfare. He was a comedian, but he has united with his nation and demonstrated what strong actually is. Has anyone written about this? It is no wonder that Mr. T brushed off Zelensky's trip to Washington saying what he said. A clear sign of needing to diminish Zelensky's stature withing P and T's world audience that loves their style.
Zelensky is not a "comedian" as his Ukrainian opponent, Poroshenko, portrayed. He is a lawyer, the son of a famous computer scientist, and a self-made millionaire who built an entertainment empire doing satire, TV series, and movies. He is a household word in the Russian world.
Bismarck was not known for his ethical ideals, nor his specialty sausages. Niall Ferguson recently noted that empires can not survive if their "peace keeping" budgets collapse due to internal deficits. The US is close to that point now. The West is out of "happy" options.
Regarding the minerals/reconstruction deal, this is a brilliant move of Ukraine.
The only weakness the EU and Ukraine have opposing to Russia is nuclear capability. If the reconstruction of Ukraine begins in earnest, there are unfairly selected US companies in Ukraine, spread out in large areas. This would discourage Russian to use nuclear or chemical weapons, which effects cannot be geographically contained and thus would trigger retaliations from the US.
Conventional war will continue till Russia is defeated.
And now Trump is disingenuous enough to say, in response to a reporter’s question asking whether he stands by his remark that Zelenskyy is a dictator, “Did I say that? I don’t recall saying that . . .”
I am not going to comment on the proposed resources deal between the US and Ukraine. No one seems to have any real idea what the ramifications of the deal are going to be for either party. Changes every day. One thing that does appear certain, is that Putin is not going to accept peace keepers from the EU.
What does concern me is Trumps proposed means of dealing with America’s deficit. I cannot see the US reducing its national debt of $36 trillion by reduced spending defence, VA entitlements, Medicare, Medicaid and social security. Nothing else they are doing will amount to anything. I am sure savings could be made here, but what Musk/Trump are proposing or require is massive cuts to these programs, which have the potential to move the US from a superpower to a also ran with nuclear weapons - much like Russia is now.
Trump must cancel the tax cuts for billionaires and actually increase the tax levels for those who can most afford them, if he is to have any chance of addressing the national debt.
Ronald Reagan was elected in 1980, in 1981 America’s national debt was 32% of GDP ($900 billion). Reagan then lowered the tax rates and in 2024 it was 123% of GDP ($36 trillion). Lowering of taxes may not have been the only reason the national debt went up, but it had a major effect. Trickle down economics didn’t work.
Besides all that, Trump has abandoned his allies and taken up residence with Putin and his ilk. Democracy is not easy and Trump does not want to put any work into it. But for all other democratic nations out there, it is all we have and we can’t allow Trump to trash it. He won’t live forever, so there is always hope, if we stick together.
A lot of people - a majority it seems - do not like Trump talking to Putin in such friendly terms. However, ignoring him didn't seem to work for the Biden administration AND if Trump is talking to and flattering Putin, it means Xi isn't.
A strong Russian alliance with the CCP is perhaps the most dangerous threat to our existence.
Anyone who does business with Trump is taking a gamble. I don't think Ukraine should trust anything Trump says or even puts in writing.
Thank you, Diane. That was an excellent synopsis—Trump, Commander and Chief of Lies, and Extortion. Ukraine must have a seat in NATO.
Its possible that Trump would kiss Putin's butt in Macy's window if it would bring a just peace. The carrot/stick tweets might actually be structuring the much sought after exit ramp.
I hold little hope that Trump will do anything in the way to hold Putin and Russia accountable for any of the horrific war crimes and immense war damages they have deliberately inflicted on Ukraine. Trump is just a contemporary, juiced-up internet age version of the money-is-everything American robber baron tycoon. Remember that Joseph Kennedy Sr openly advocated for direct American support as US ambassador to Britain while stationed in London during the Blitz, and that he profited greatly from financing Nasi industries feeding the German war machine in the ththirties. The significant number of American fascist Nazi's, openly visible at their Madison Gardens assembly event, were only suppressed because Hikter made the mistake of immediately declaring war on tge YS right after Pearl Harbour. If he had stayed neutral visas a vis the US, it is quite possible Joseph Kennedy Sr would have won the Republican nomination, beaten FDR in the election, and directly supported Histler the way that Trump is now openly supporting Putin.
Sorry for the typos. My eyesight is not the best anymore and my thumbs are quite big for phone typing, and there doesn't seem to be a way to edit a post to correct it here. I hope everyone can catch the list of my argument here, that Trumo, like Kennedy Sr, can only be trusted to line his pockets. Nothing else.
Not a problem.
Diane, I just subscribed because your perspective is unique and valuable. I happen to agree that a lot of what you say will probably come to pass, but I have my doubts that Trump will or can control all the genies he's let out of the bottle. Some thoughts on the webs of power propping him up might be useful.
Your understanding of Trump's commercialization of foreign policy and the benefits it may offer Ukraine in terms of security and U.S. economic development certainly makes sense. To some it may even appear to be a stroke of genius in that it offers at least some security as well as additional revenues from the 50% profits that Ukraine would retain. But we must never forget with whom Ukraine is now dealing: an American president who, in addition to playing hard ball in his business deals, has also deceived and defrauded......and a Russian thug who - in addition to many of the character defects that Trump has, is happy as a clam and ready to declare victory. Neither are credible.
Trump will not - under any circumstance - put himself in a position wherein he is committed to sending troops or additional support to Ukraine. The $500 billion is simply to "recover" prior (i.e. Biden administration) support plus a mega-usurious interest. It will take years to extract and monetize enough mineral deposits to recover the $500 billion, and Putin can easily avoid those sites where Americans are working and alert Trump ahead of time to withdraw any Americans in Ukraine. Trump believes that Ukraine will be fully conquered by Russia someday, and Putin may have already pledged that American interests and personnel in Ukraine will not be touched if that should happen.
Ukrainians are experts at American perfidy and - after the Budapest Memorandum - should not find themselves again facing a "fool me once, shame on you....fool me twice, shame on me." reality. Nothing less than iron clad, congressionally ratified guarantees from the U.S. will suffice. Until then, Trump should be ready to explain to his "stupid and ignorant" supporters why he has not been the 24-hour wunderkind he claimed to be.
All revenues would go into a fund devoted to Ukraine's "security and rebuilding". The most likely benefit to the US is the purchase of surplus F16s and out of date Javelins which would be a huge win/win. Distribution of those profits "might" occur in the future but as it is jointly managed, the initial revenue flows will go where its sorely needed. Bonus Points....it designs out any possibility of Russian oligarchs still living in Ukraine of corrupting the effort.
BINGO!!!
Jim,
I was not addressing the revenue stream.....Not sure whether the "agreement" provides for immediate military support through advance credit against the 50% which Ukraine keeps or after the minerals are monetized and profits distributed. In the former case, it would provide for immediate "security" relief, in the latter case, it may be months down the road when Ukraine may no longer need as much because of Ukraine's own increases in production and European contributions.
But the more important issue that I was addressing is that Trump is selling this in part as a type of "security" guarantee because (according to him) Putin would not invade property in which the U.S. has joint interests and personnel. And my answer is that Putin could and would easily do so.....because the several locations where excavation and extraction are going on would in no way be obstacles to an invasion. His forces would simply give wide berth to those areas which are likely to have been vacated of U.S. personnel by that time anyway. It offers "0" security to Ukraine....just another Trump hype of a "lemon" ....."payback" of money that Ukraine has no legal or moral obligation to return and $ multi-billion exploitation of Ukrainian resources....not unlike the Wagner Group in Africa. With such valuable resources, Ukraine would not have much difficulty finding others willing to excavate and pay more than 50% profits.
We'll know better when we find out the actual terms of the proposed agreement.
Not sure why anyone would sign a deal with Trump as he rips them up when ever the mood strikes him.
You sign a deal with anybody to save your people. It shows how important it is to help Ukraine
Trump is unwell The question is how to remove him.
It will be intriguing to see if this "business" deal short circuits the invasion. Can you imagine the Esprit des Corps of Putins troops in Donetsk being supplied by mules, and watching western global businesses roll in with multi million $ operations to commence mining from under their feet? What did their meat grinder compatriots die for?
Excellent point!
Thanks Diane. One comment about the last part " He can come if he wants to". The two gigantic "Strong Man" bullies of the world have been out-shined biggly by a person with no special training in leadership or warfare. He was a comedian, but he has united with his nation and demonstrated what strong actually is. Has anyone written about this? It is no wonder that Mr. T brushed off Zelensky's trip to Washington saying what he said. A clear sign of needing to diminish Zelensky's stature withing P and T's world audience that loves their style.
Zelensky is not a "comedian" as his Ukrainian opponent, Poroshenko, portrayed. He is a lawyer, the son of a famous computer scientist, and a self-made millionaire who built an entertainment empire doing satire, TV series, and movies. He is a household word in the Russian world.
True about Zelensky. Yesterday was a presentation of a manifesto.
Bismarck was not known for his ethical ideals, nor his specialty sausages. Niall Ferguson recently noted that empires can not survive if their "peace keeping" budgets collapse due to internal deficits. The US is close to that point now. The West is out of "happy" options.
This is precisely why the trump deal is surprisingly brilliant as I explain in the piece the two strategic objectives that are met.
Regarding the minerals/reconstruction deal, this is a brilliant move of Ukraine.
The only weakness the EU and Ukraine have opposing to Russia is nuclear capability. If the reconstruction of Ukraine begins in earnest, there are unfairly selected US companies in Ukraine, spread out in large areas. This would discourage Russian to use nuclear or chemical weapons, which effects cannot be geographically contained and thus would trigger retaliations from the US.
Conventional war will continue till Russia is defeated.
Look up the former GDR song..Ami, Ami go home..
And now Trump is disingenuous enough to say, in response to a reporter’s question asking whether he stands by his remark that Zelenskyy is a dictator, “Did I say that? I don’t recall saying that . . .”
I am not going to comment on the proposed resources deal between the US and Ukraine. No one seems to have any real idea what the ramifications of the deal are going to be for either party. Changes every day. One thing that does appear certain, is that Putin is not going to accept peace keepers from the EU.
What does concern me is Trumps proposed means of dealing with America’s deficit. I cannot see the US reducing its national debt of $36 trillion by reduced spending defence, VA entitlements, Medicare, Medicaid and social security. Nothing else they are doing will amount to anything. I am sure savings could be made here, but what Musk/Trump are proposing or require is massive cuts to these programs, which have the potential to move the US from a superpower to a also ran with nuclear weapons - much like Russia is now.
Trump must cancel the tax cuts for billionaires and actually increase the tax levels for those who can most afford them, if he is to have any chance of addressing the national debt.
Ronald Reagan was elected in 1980, in 1981 America’s national debt was 32% of GDP ($900 billion). Reagan then lowered the tax rates and in 2024 it was 123% of GDP ($36 trillion). Lowering of taxes may not have been the only reason the national debt went up, but it had a major effect. Trickle down economics didn’t work.
Besides all that, Trump has abandoned his allies and taken up residence with Putin and his ilk. Democracy is not easy and Trump does not want to put any work into it. But for all other democratic nations out there, it is all we have and we can’t allow Trump to trash it. He won’t live forever, so there is always hope, if we stick together.
A lot of people - a majority it seems - do not like Trump talking to Putin in such friendly terms. However, ignoring him didn't seem to work for the Biden administration AND if Trump is talking to and flattering Putin, it means Xi isn't.
A strong Russian alliance with the CCP is perhaps the most dangerous threat to our existence.