The Guardian view on Trump and Putin: The future of Ukraine should not be determined without it Editorial
UKria and his European allies prepared for the worst when Donald Trump won a second term. But the size of his surrender to the Russian aggression is still shocked. On Wednesday, Vladimir Putin was broken nearly three years of isolation by the West by talking to 90 minutes and “very productive” with Mr. Trump. Joe Biden described the Russian president as a deadly dictator. Mr. Trump praised Mr. Putin’s escalating aggression against Ukraine as a “genius”, days before the comprehensive invasion of 2022. Now, two great powers-without looking at Ukraine or Europe or even Mr. Trump’s envoy in Ukraine.
Forget regional integrity. The US Defense Secretary, Beit Higseth, described a return to the borders of Ukraine before 2014 as “unrealistic” and “fake goal”. We forget the Ukrainian membership in NATO: “I don’t think it is practical … I am fine with that,” Mr. Trump announced. We forget the American support: the matter will return to European countries and others to provide any deterrent force, the US Defense Minister explained. Mr. Higseth added that European security is no longer the primary focus of the United States, and that was the lying version.
Mr. Trump had already broadcast the idea that Ukraine “may be Russian one day.” Now does not pay attention to Kyiv’s opinions. Mr. Trump is supposed to believe that when the United States floats on the tap, Ukraine and Europe will have to be satisfied with everything he and Mr. Putin have done. “Security guarantees without America are not real security guarantees.” Mr. Trump not only calmed down Mr. Zellinski, but also undermined him by pushing Russia’s account of this The elections should be on the way.
Whatever Ukraine is in public places, I understood that NATO membership was never imminent, and certainly expects some regional concessions, no matter how bitter after a lot of sacrifice. But Mr. Trump gave way to Russian demands before reaching the negotiating table. This is similar to the art of surrender more than the art of the deal. Mr. Putin, however, is not in a hurry. The last thing he wants is NATO members on the ground in Ukraine. The withdrawal of talks may allow for financing to dried and complain about the locality in Ukraine to turn into political instability, while Russia offers more progress in the battlefield.
The failure of Mr. Trump’s talks with Kim Jong Un from North Korea showed how his speech can pass against reality. Some have suggested that his respect for themselves would prevent him from settling for a deal in which Russia prevails. Perhaps he may after a different exit if someone can find one appeals to vanity. However, whatever the result, Mr. Trump will definitely announce that he is a victory.
For Ukraine, and others in the region, this is an existential war. For others – including the United States – this was related to obtaining hostile power and rid it, despite sincere sympathy and major data on defending democracy. It is not only Ukraine that now hears the bullet bell. Despite fears that European local policy tends to move away from strong support for Kev, we welcome the strong Thursday responses to the United States from European countries, including Britain. They are right to insist that, like Ukraine, they must be part of any negotiations, mention their commitment to its sovereignty and regional safety, and emphasize their willingness to enhance support. Mr. Trump abandons Ukraine. Others will be mistaken and reckless.