A podcast I did with Times Radio appears below and describes the state of play concerning Russia’s war against Ukraine. Yesterday, political and diplomatic efforts culminated in an agreement to hold talks to stop the war following a phone call between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin. On February 12, the two talked for 90 minutes and announced that negotiations to end the conflict would begin “immediately.” Trump also spoke with Ukraine’s President Zelensky and said later that “They [Ukrainians] have to make peace, and some of that land [seized by Russia] will come back.”
Zelensky told The Kyiv Independent, "I just spoke with Donald Trump. It was a long conversation about the possibilities of achieving peace, our willingness to work together, and our technological capabilities, including drones and other modern manufacturing. Ukraine wants peace more than anyone else. We are defining our joint steps with America to stop Russian aggression and guarantee a reliable, lasting peace.”
What remains unclear is whether and how Ukraine will be at the table or if Europe will be. Ending this war is not about quickly finishing a two-way business deal. Talks must result in obtaining reparations from Russia and the return of territory to Ukraine. Allies must also provide iron-clad security guarantees. Significantly, Trump said he would continue supporting Ukraine because of the generous deal America has been given by Kyiv to develop the country’s resources. However, Trump and his team insist that European nations put boots on the ground to guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty once the war ends. He wants to shift responsibility to Europe even though it has been cut out of these negotiations. The Financial Times wrote of this finesse: “Trump has left Europe reeling over Ukraine peace talks with Russia.”
But Europe steps up, or Putin will continue.
Here are four ways to contribute toward Ukraine’s victory and restoration:
The old adage "Hope Springs Eternal" came to my mind at first . However,. I've been sick with worry about the type of 'deal' zelensky will be forced to swallow with TWO of the world's most horrible leaders possible. WHY Russia gets a voice when they started this war is proof that UKR will get the short end of the stick. Europe will have to stand up to their own defence & ensure that Ukraine is NOT used a meat for the deal.
Everything that Trump has done continues to be focused on two things....getting the rest of the west to man up. This is not only with respect to defense but also to energy.
Secondly, no matter what window dressing Trump puts up to entice Putin not to press the button, Trump is adamant that Putin must not win. As we speak, top US officials are forging the Lend Lease deal with Zelenskyy. Ukraine will have all the weapons it needs to prevail. https://x.com/Mylovanov/status/1889809111677608060
And this will be a huge win win. Trump is turning useless army surplus into modern manifestations of gold - the rare earth minerals that the West needs. It will also create a huge number of jobs and industries in Ukraine; a boom that will keep Ukraine's soldiers fighting on a more lucrative front.