My mentor in business, the late Joe Segal, always said “ never trust a man who is cheating on his wife because it means he doesn’t respect contracts , relationships and is dishonest “
Hmm does that sound like the current USA orange top banana!Trump is the quintessential cheat . I am sure he wrote exam cheater notes on the palms of his tiny hands ..God please save America
Your commentaries are always excellent, Diane, but this is one of the finest. Russia needs to buy time to regroup and rearm and Ukraine needs to do so as well. Ukraine is currently putting in place a "Drone Line" to create a 10-15 km "kill zone" offering air support and cover to the infantry, making it difficult for the enemy to advance without significant losses. Drones are readily available both to Europeans and Ukrainians. In addition, Ukraine is embarked on a belated major reorganization and reform of its military, which will do much to increase its effectiveness, and, together with greatly increased benefits for volunteers, will increase recruitment. And, of course, their new missile, ever more advanced drones, and the German Taurus (if Merz approves) can wreak further havoc on Russia's military depots and oil refining facilities......while Sweden's and UK's recent aerial defense commitments will greatly increase the safety of Ukraine's civilians and infrastructure.
A "cease fire" is premature and unnecessary. What Ukraine needs most is time and the logistics to hold its own (it has been successfully regaining some of the strategic terrain the Russians have been acquiring these last few weeks. It wouldn't surprise me to learn that American military aid is not that critical after all. And - if Ukraine runs short - it will have the resources to purchase from the rest of the world what it needs and the Europeans can't provide. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than for Ukraine to demonstrate to Trump and his lap dog that they really can do well without their arrogance, shake downs, and support.
Do France and Britain really need Trump's permission to discuss a peace plan. Europe should stand up and go it alone. Putin, Trump and JD Vance cannot be trusted.
Thank you, Diane. Friday's fiasco in the Oval Office showed exactly what Trump and Vance stand for. Their amoral attitude towards President Zelenskyy / Ukraine is unacceptable when you consider what Putin represents: a dictator with no moral compass. I believe the EU and other countries need to rally behind Ukraine and ignore the US; after all, they want to operate in isolation; let's accommodate. The EU, Canada, NATO and other nations can no longer rely on US support (while under MAGA influence), at least not without a significant cost to their citizens.
I agree that a European army needs to be organized to guard against Putin and future aggressive leaders / nations. Friday was the wake-up call; shame on Trump, Vance and his supporters.
At least I’m not American, so the shame I feel is not as great.
I’m disappointed but not surprised by the extraordinary events that took place at the Oval Office. Both Trump’s and Vance’s actions show them to be of little consequence, as individuals or as representatives of the USA. Trump’s repeated falsehoods did little to enhance his reputation.
I’m not a diplomat or politician, which is just as well. If Zelensky had walked out, I would have cheered him on. Ukraine should not have to seek peace at any cost, it is their decision in the end, not Trump’s. All Trump appears interested in is whether it is good TV or not (in his opinion).
I expected a more reasoned response from Rubio as well, but I guess the White House and Republicans are making sure that everybody is singing from the same song sheet.
Despite all the drama of the last few days and in spite of Trump’s allegations, I still think that Europe should at least try to retain the logistic, intelligence and air forces of the US. If Trump decides to withhold these forces or the equipment that has been committed but not delivered to Europe/Ukraine, it won’t prevent Europe/Ukraine from taking on Russia, but it will make life a lot harder for them. The suspension of sanctions and the cancelling of Starlink services (if possible) by the US would have a far more detrimental effect on the outcome of the war in Ukraine and in turn, Europe.
As Poland’s Donald Tusk put it: “500 million Europeans are asking 300 million Americans to defend them against 140 million Russians. [...] Europe today lacks the belief that we are truly a global force” This so true. The EU must confiscate the $300 billion in frozen Russian assets. If they don’t, there may not be a Euro to worry about in 10 years time. It may also be the only chance for Europe to match or surpass Russia in the next 2-3 years, especially if the US withdraws its support. A European army is a must, the USA cannot be trusted.
This type of action by the Europeans offers a far better opportunity of stopping Russia than anything Trump is proposing.
Excellent views - totally support EU standing up to RUS - Amercans don't realize they have a lot of 'crap ' on their plate to digest. They already have to face a 'marred' & almost irreparable image. Less USA & Less Russia - means a better world
American arms dealers are not going to want to be sidelined. If they can no longer sell their munitions to the U.S. they have a market as Europe builds up a defense force. It would take awhile for Trump and co to shut down that commerce. Europe doesn’t need forever—just long enough to get started.And in true U.S. fashion the corporations will move their manufacturing abroad if they have to. It’s not like they believe in the common good.
Exactly - well pointed out - AND UKR already has the upper hand in drones - we're talking DRONES on steroids - Russia and USA will demand the removal of Zelenskyy cuz Zelenskyy is smart & strong & Russia would like a weak leader ( from Russia's group of loyalists) - Johnson has already reported that Zelenskyy must step down - just as Russia demands - WHAT a mess USA!!!
Thanks for sketching the military realities on the ground. Where there is a will, there will be a way to stop the thugs. There is no honor among thieves, so the printed agreements matter little. However, at some point the Americans will have to get serious about dealing with the collapse of moral standards in their political class. Or is this the post modernist pigeons finally coming home to roost? The old adage- Ideas have Consequences- still holds as always.
Outrageous behavior by 2 thugs towards a man who fights a fascist murderer. Question is how to remove the thug President and Vance ? Excellent article Diane. One positive result is Europe now replacing US in support of Ukraine. Drump beholden to Putin for years but no one knows why? Any thoughts Diane?
There have been numerous articles and books (eg House of Trump house of Putin,) that claim knowledge that Drumpf was recruited as a Russian asset on 1987
Perhaps someone can help me. I can’t understand how the US feels they have a right to negotiate an end to a war that they are not in. Supplying arms is different than soldiers. I could see it if the US tried to act as the facilitator between Russia and Ukraine, but not as someone speaking for a country they don’t respect or even like. I also don’t understand why the rest of “willing and able” supporters of Ukraine can’t replace the US contribution.
In the spirit of understanding both sides which the legacy media is incapable of sharing (due to confirmation bias struggles and lazy journalistic standards (Diane excluded)):
Anton Richards writes “Many of you probably watched what took place between Donald Trump and Zelenskyy tonight. Whether you're a Democrat or a Republican, you might be thinking to yourself, Oh my God, Donald Trump just screwed up.
However, as a lifelong practitioner of martial arts, strategy, and philosophy, let me explain the difference between what you believe you witnessed and what actually happened.
Donald Trump has been under constant political persecution since the beginning of his first term. Over time, he has learned to be patient and calculated.
Tonight, Zelenskyy was invited to the Oval Office. However, both Trump and JD Vance knew exactly what Zelenskyy was going to do—he would use this opportunity, in front of the American people, to make a power play. Both Trump and Vance anticipated this.
When Zelenskyy began appealing to the emotions of the American people, JD Vance stepped in, accusing him of disrespecting Donald Trump. This was a brilliant strategy. It’s important to understand that Zelenskyy is trying to gain access to NATO.
Trump knew this but could not allow it to happen. If Ukraine joins NATO, the U.S. would be bound by NATO’s collective defence agreement—an attack on one is an attack on all.
Now consider the larger implications: Ukraine and Russia despise each other. If Ukraine were to become a NATO member, any future skirmish between them would obligate the U.S. to enter into direct conflict with Russia. This would mean World War III. And if that happened, China would have to choose a side—they would almost certainly align with Russia.
So what you witnessed tonight was a setup. Trump and JD Vance knew that the only way to achieve peace was to strategically align, at least on the surface, with Russia. Why? Because Russia would never sign a peace treaty if Ukraine were admitted into NATO.
This is why Trump dismantled Zelenskyy’s argument. And when Zelenskyy, seeing his play failing, tried to backtrack and offer a treaty, Trump refused.
Zelenskyy’s real intent was clear—he would not agree to peace unless security guarantees were in place. But what was he actually saying? That NATO must accept Ukraine. However, Russia would never agree to peace, knowing that NATO, their historical adversary, would surround them.
Zelenskyy, Putin, and Trump all knew this. Zelenskyy, thinking he had Democratic support, believed he could make this bold move on live television. But Trump and Vance saw right through it and outmaneuvered him.
They knew that, in the short term, Democrats and the media would try to use this moment against them. But they also knew they had two years before midterms to prove their strategy was the right one. So they held their ground—brilliantly so.
Now, Zelenskyy will have no choice but to back down and accept Trump's terms. But here’s the genius part—Trump is actually protecting Ukraine without dragging the U.S. into war.
By negotiating a mineral deal, Trump ensures that Americans will be involved in Ukraine’s mining industry. This prevents Russia from launching an invasion because attacking Ukraine would mean endangering American lives—something that would force the U.S. to respond.
Trump played both sides like a master chess player. In the end, Zelenskyy will have no choice but to concede, because without U.S. support, Ukraine cannot win a prolonged war against Russia. And once U.S. companies have mining operations in Ukraine, Putin will be unable to attack without triggering massive international consequences. (copied)
I do not understand how it is acceptable to have both trump and Vance vs Zelensky. Beating up on Zelensky 2 against one is a set up to win. Zelensky is in this exchange with English as a second language. He is a brave man to face two thugs alone. America should be ashamed
Also, as an aside from Trumper's support for poor Putin - if things don't turn around and USA stays on this dictatorship road - Americans travelling in the free world will receive an unwelcome welcome, if you will. They already are thought of as 'arrogant' but now add 'TRAITOR' to that. Europe, Australia even Canada will shun their presence. I sure will anyway.
Please remember that more than half of us US citizens regard Feb 28, 2025 as a day that will live in infamy, forever a stain on the character and reputation of the United States of America.
Just a few hours before Trump addresses the joint US House and Senate, I could not be more careless about what will be said. The die had been casted and the consequences will have to follow in due courses.
In less than six weeks into his presidency, Trump has successfully broken the world laws and orders to pieces unjustified and only to the whims of his own ego and stupidity.
The world will react, the end results will be US detriments. The world is reshaping itself and I can see clearly a very strong EU emerging. Ukraine will fight on without the US support, a commitment the US had betrayed according to the Budapest referendum. Eventually, Ukraine will win this war with great sacrifices.
The US and Russia had overestimated their military and economic powers, especially Russia. The EU has 5 times more populations and 10 times more GDP compared to Russia. After three years of war, Russia is now just a walking wounded predator. Ukraine is a large country and Russia does not have a large enough army to occupy Ukraine. Russia will face a protracted and costly asymmetric (guerrilla) war in Ukraine.
The US thought it can bluff the world into submission by using the image of a once dominant economic and military powers. The world had called its bluff and in a short time the US will have to show its empty hand.
First the Gaza cease fire, it is fragile and can fall apart anytime.
The retake Panama Canal. It is receding into the void.
The invasion of Canada and Mexico. The US does not have enough strength to do so.
The invasion of Greenland. The US will face article 5 of NATO and find out.
The US and Russia will be stopped by one nation, namely Ukraine.
In the meantime, the US will have to face an economic disaster, unfolding within six months, due to tariffs, deportation and tax cuts. A severe stagflation is coming.
All three have to share blame for the chaotic end to the Oval Office press conference last week.
Trump, well because he's Trump and can't help himself from saying provocative things over and over again (Did you know this war would have never happened if he'd won in 2020?), and for allowing the press conference to go beyond 10 or 15 minutes in the first place.
Zelenskyy, for not being able to retain his composure in the face of Trump's endless comments (after what he's gone through for his country these past three years, I wouldn't have been able to sit there without reacting) despite everything that was at stake. I'm sure he had been briefed over and over not to lose it, but he did.
Vance, who also couldn't help himself when Trump seemed to run out of air.
That said, it did seem to get the Europeans moving faster and taking more ownership of what is firstly a European threat.
I don't think Zelenskyy lost it. I think he maintained his composure remarkably well, considering who was in the room and what he and his country have been through.
My mentor in business, the late Joe Segal, always said “ never trust a man who is cheating on his wife because it means he doesn’t respect contracts , relationships and is dishonest “
Hmm does that sound like the current USA orange top banana!Trump is the quintessential cheat . I am sure he wrote exam cheater notes on the palms of his tiny hands ..God please save America
Your commentaries are always excellent, Diane, but this is one of the finest. Russia needs to buy time to regroup and rearm and Ukraine needs to do so as well. Ukraine is currently putting in place a "Drone Line" to create a 10-15 km "kill zone" offering air support and cover to the infantry, making it difficult for the enemy to advance without significant losses. Drones are readily available both to Europeans and Ukrainians. In addition, Ukraine is embarked on a belated major reorganization and reform of its military, which will do much to increase its effectiveness, and, together with greatly increased benefits for volunteers, will increase recruitment. And, of course, their new missile, ever more advanced drones, and the German Taurus (if Merz approves) can wreak further havoc on Russia's military depots and oil refining facilities......while Sweden's and UK's recent aerial defense commitments will greatly increase the safety of Ukraine's civilians and infrastructure.
A "cease fire" is premature and unnecessary. What Ukraine needs most is time and the logistics to hold its own (it has been successfully regaining some of the strategic terrain the Russians have been acquiring these last few weeks. It wouldn't surprise me to learn that American military aid is not that critical after all. And - if Ukraine runs short - it will have the resources to purchase from the rest of the world what it needs and the Europeans can't provide. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than for Ukraine to demonstrate to Trump and his lap dog that they really can do well without their arrogance, shake downs, and support.
Do France and Britain really need Trump's permission to discuss a peace plan. Europe should stand up and go it alone. Putin, Trump and JD Vance cannot be trusted.
Thank you, Diane. Friday's fiasco in the Oval Office showed exactly what Trump and Vance stand for. Their amoral attitude towards President Zelenskyy / Ukraine is unacceptable when you consider what Putin represents: a dictator with no moral compass. I believe the EU and other countries need to rally behind Ukraine and ignore the US; after all, they want to operate in isolation; let's accommodate. The EU, Canada, NATO and other nations can no longer rely on US support (while under MAGA influence), at least not without a significant cost to their citizens.
I agree that a European army needs to be organized to guard against Putin and future aggressive leaders / nations. Friday was the wake-up call; shame on Trump, Vance and his supporters.
At least I’m not American, so the shame I feel is not as great.
I’m disappointed but not surprised by the extraordinary events that took place at the Oval Office. Both Trump’s and Vance’s actions show them to be of little consequence, as individuals or as representatives of the USA. Trump’s repeated falsehoods did little to enhance his reputation.
I’m not a diplomat or politician, which is just as well. If Zelensky had walked out, I would have cheered him on. Ukraine should not have to seek peace at any cost, it is their decision in the end, not Trump’s. All Trump appears interested in is whether it is good TV or not (in his opinion).
I expected a more reasoned response from Rubio as well, but I guess the White House and Republicans are making sure that everybody is singing from the same song sheet.
Despite all the drama of the last few days and in spite of Trump’s allegations, I still think that Europe should at least try to retain the logistic, intelligence and air forces of the US. If Trump decides to withhold these forces or the equipment that has been committed but not delivered to Europe/Ukraine, it won’t prevent Europe/Ukraine from taking on Russia, but it will make life a lot harder for them. The suspension of sanctions and the cancelling of Starlink services (if possible) by the US would have a far more detrimental effect on the outcome of the war in Ukraine and in turn, Europe.
As Poland’s Donald Tusk put it: “500 million Europeans are asking 300 million Americans to defend them against 140 million Russians. [...] Europe today lacks the belief that we are truly a global force” This so true. The EU must confiscate the $300 billion in frozen Russian assets. If they don’t, there may not be a Euro to worry about in 10 years time. It may also be the only chance for Europe to match or surpass Russia in the next 2-3 years, especially if the US withdraws its support. A European army is a must, the USA cannot be trusted.
This type of action by the Europeans offers a far better opportunity of stopping Russia than anything Trump is proposing.
Excellent views - totally support EU standing up to RUS - Amercans don't realize they have a lot of 'crap ' on their plate to digest. They already have to face a 'marred' & almost irreparable image. Less USA & Less Russia - means a better world
Thanks for the info on Poland's leader Tusk. The Poles seem to be on-top of this while the rest of the EU are still infiltrated by quislings.
American arms dealers are not going to want to be sidelined. If they can no longer sell their munitions to the U.S. they have a market as Europe builds up a defense force. It would take awhile for Trump and co to shut down that commerce. Europe doesn’t need forever—just long enough to get started.And in true U.S. fashion the corporations will move their manufacturing abroad if they have to. It’s not like they believe in the common good.
Exactly - well pointed out - AND UKR already has the upper hand in drones - we're talking DRONES on steroids - Russia and USA will demand the removal of Zelenskyy cuz Zelenskyy is smart & strong & Russia would like a weak leader ( from Russia's group of loyalists) - Johnson has already reported that Zelenskyy must step down - just as Russia demands - WHAT a mess USA!!!
“I saw attempts to humiliate and mock the president of a country that has been in blood for three years. This is immoral behavior.” Absolutely.
Excellent as always. I in particular liked having opinions from other organisations and a troop from Ukraine
Thanks for sketching the military realities on the ground. Where there is a will, there will be a way to stop the thugs. There is no honor among thieves, so the printed agreements matter little. However, at some point the Americans will have to get serious about dealing with the collapse of moral standards in their political class. Or is this the post modernist pigeons finally coming home to roost? The old adage- Ideas have Consequences- still holds as always.
Outrageous behavior by 2 thugs towards a man who fights a fascist murderer. Question is how to remove the thug President and Vance ? Excellent article Diane. One positive result is Europe now replacing US in support of Ukraine. Drump beholden to Putin for years but no one knows why? Any thoughts Diane?
There have been numerous articles and books (eg House of Trump house of Putin,) that claim knowledge that Drumpf was recruited as a Russian asset on 1987
Perhaps someone can help me. I can’t understand how the US feels they have a right to negotiate an end to a war that they are not in. Supplying arms is different than soldiers. I could see it if the US tried to act as the facilitator between Russia and Ukraine, but not as someone speaking for a country they don’t respect or even like. I also don’t understand why the rest of “willing and able” supporters of Ukraine can’t replace the US contribution.
In the spirit of understanding both sides which the legacy media is incapable of sharing (due to confirmation bias struggles and lazy journalistic standards (Diane excluded)):
Anton Richards writes “Many of you probably watched what took place between Donald Trump and Zelenskyy tonight. Whether you're a Democrat or a Republican, you might be thinking to yourself, Oh my God, Donald Trump just screwed up.
However, as a lifelong practitioner of martial arts, strategy, and philosophy, let me explain the difference between what you believe you witnessed and what actually happened.
Donald Trump has been under constant political persecution since the beginning of his first term. Over time, he has learned to be patient and calculated.
Tonight, Zelenskyy was invited to the Oval Office. However, both Trump and JD Vance knew exactly what Zelenskyy was going to do—he would use this opportunity, in front of the American people, to make a power play. Both Trump and Vance anticipated this.
When Zelenskyy began appealing to the emotions of the American people, JD Vance stepped in, accusing him of disrespecting Donald Trump. This was a brilliant strategy. It’s important to understand that Zelenskyy is trying to gain access to NATO.
Trump knew this but could not allow it to happen. If Ukraine joins NATO, the U.S. would be bound by NATO’s collective defence agreement—an attack on one is an attack on all.
Now consider the larger implications: Ukraine and Russia despise each other. If Ukraine were to become a NATO member, any future skirmish between them would obligate the U.S. to enter into direct conflict with Russia. This would mean World War III. And if that happened, China would have to choose a side—they would almost certainly align with Russia.
So what you witnessed tonight was a setup. Trump and JD Vance knew that the only way to achieve peace was to strategically align, at least on the surface, with Russia. Why? Because Russia would never sign a peace treaty if Ukraine were admitted into NATO.
This is why Trump dismantled Zelenskyy’s argument. And when Zelenskyy, seeing his play failing, tried to backtrack and offer a treaty, Trump refused.
Zelenskyy’s real intent was clear—he would not agree to peace unless security guarantees were in place. But what was he actually saying? That NATO must accept Ukraine. However, Russia would never agree to peace, knowing that NATO, their historical adversary, would surround them.
Zelenskyy, Putin, and Trump all knew this. Zelenskyy, thinking he had Democratic support, believed he could make this bold move on live television. But Trump and Vance saw right through it and outmaneuvered him.
They knew that, in the short term, Democrats and the media would try to use this moment against them. But they also knew they had two years before midterms to prove their strategy was the right one. So they held their ground—brilliantly so.
Now, Zelenskyy will have no choice but to back down and accept Trump's terms. But here’s the genius part—Trump is actually protecting Ukraine without dragging the U.S. into war.
By negotiating a mineral deal, Trump ensures that Americans will be involved in Ukraine’s mining industry. This prevents Russia from launching an invasion because attacking Ukraine would mean endangering American lives—something that would force the U.S. to respond.
Trump played both sides like a master chess player. In the end, Zelenskyy will have no choice but to concede, because without U.S. support, Ukraine cannot win a prolonged war against Russia. And once U.S. companies have mining operations in Ukraine, Putin will be unable to attack without triggering massive international consequences. (copied)
I do not understand how it is acceptable to have both trump and Vance vs Zelensky. Beating up on Zelensky 2 against one is a set up to win. Zelensky is in this exchange with English as a second language. He is a brave man to face two thugs alone. America should be ashamed
As an American I am ashamed and distraught over what is happening to my country. I never thought that I would live to see thus
Also, as an aside from Trumper's support for poor Putin - if things don't turn around and USA stays on this dictatorship road - Americans travelling in the free world will receive an unwelcome welcome, if you will. They already are thought of as 'arrogant' but now add 'TRAITOR' to that. Europe, Australia even Canada will shun their presence. I sure will anyway.
Please remember that more than half of us US citizens regard Feb 28, 2025 as a day that will live in infamy, forever a stain on the character and reputation of the United States of America.
Just a few hours before Trump addresses the joint US House and Senate, I could not be more careless about what will be said. The die had been casted and the consequences will have to follow in due courses.
In less than six weeks into his presidency, Trump has successfully broken the world laws and orders to pieces unjustified and only to the whims of his own ego and stupidity.
The world will react, the end results will be US detriments. The world is reshaping itself and I can see clearly a very strong EU emerging. Ukraine will fight on without the US support, a commitment the US had betrayed according to the Budapest referendum. Eventually, Ukraine will win this war with great sacrifices.
The US and Russia had overestimated their military and economic powers, especially Russia. The EU has 5 times more populations and 10 times more GDP compared to Russia. After three years of war, Russia is now just a walking wounded predator. Ukraine is a large country and Russia does not have a large enough army to occupy Ukraine. Russia will face a protracted and costly asymmetric (guerrilla) war in Ukraine.
The US thought it can bluff the world into submission by using the image of a once dominant economic and military powers. The world had called its bluff and in a short time the US will have to show its empty hand.
First the Gaza cease fire, it is fragile and can fall apart anytime.
The retake Panama Canal. It is receding into the void.
The invasion of Canada and Mexico. The US does not have enough strength to do so.
The invasion of Greenland. The US will face article 5 of NATO and find out.
The US and Russia will be stopped by one nation, namely Ukraine.
In the meantime, the US will have to face an economic disaster, unfolding within six months, due to tariffs, deportation and tax cuts. A severe stagflation is coming.
All three have to share blame for the chaotic end to the Oval Office press conference last week.
Trump, well because he's Trump and can't help himself from saying provocative things over and over again (Did you know this war would have never happened if he'd won in 2020?), and for allowing the press conference to go beyond 10 or 15 minutes in the first place.
Zelenskyy, for not being able to retain his composure in the face of Trump's endless comments (after what he's gone through for his country these past three years, I wouldn't have been able to sit there without reacting) despite everything that was at stake. I'm sure he had been briefed over and over not to lose it, but he did.
Vance, who also couldn't help himself when Trump seemed to run out of air.
That said, it did seem to get the Europeans moving faster and taking more ownership of what is firstly a European threat.
I don't think Zelenskyy lost it. I think he maintained his composure remarkably well, considering who was in the room and what he and his country have been through.