Trump's Ukraine Realization: His Current Arguments Echo What Russia Has Been Saying
When a conflict is founded on deceit, pursuing peace can jeopardize those who have deceived. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
**When a War Is Built on Lies, Making Peace Will Hurt the Liars**
Let’s engage in a thought experiment: it’s called “Putin says, and so does Trump.” Recently, after years of disagreement on virtually everything—from geopolitical dynamics to the interpretation of terms like “not one inch”—leaders in both Russia and the US appear to have stumbled upon a common language and shared perspectives.
This newfound alignment particularly extends to their views on Ukraine, once the epicenter of their discord. This should be viewed positively, as it contributes to global stability. The current US president has remarked that the prospects of World War III under the prior Biden/Harris administration had become alarmingly real. This observation is valid: there’s a reason why the hands of the Doomsday Clock are ticking “closer than ever” to “midnight.”
In a notable shift, the American president concurs with the Russian leader that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is one election away from losing legitimacy. In a scathing social media post, Trump referred to Zelensky as a “dictator.”
Furthermore, Trump and Putin also identify NATO’s—essentially America’s—overreaching and detrimental policies as a fundamental cause of the Ukraine War. This shared understanding suggests that they both recognize a crucial yet often overlooked reality: all major powers possess legitimate security interests within their own neighborhoods.
Given this convergence between Washington and Moscow, it’s unsurprising that both sides now agree on establishing their relationship around sensible and respectful dialogue regarding national interests.
Speaking of such interests, Trump has been forthright in questioning the wisdom of continually pouring vast sums into the Zelensky administration, its ongoing conflict, and the widespread corruption associated with it. While the American president may have misstated specific financial figures, his essential argument remains valid, regardless of whether the US has expended 500 billion or between 100 and 200 billion dollars on what he deems a “bloody and stupid” conflict.
Moreover, his characterization of Zelensky as a “dictator” holds weight. Many in the West might find it uncomfortable to confront this reality, but the evidence suggests the Zelensky regime exhibits authoritarian characteristics and the leader lacks the right to unilaterally extend his presidency beyond the term that ended on May 20, 2024. Since that point, Zelensky's mandate exists in a notably unclear gray area, particularly as his authoritarian tendencies were already being scrutinized by critics prior to the military escalation in February 2022.
It’s important to clarify that this isn’t merely a case of “soft” authoritarianism; it’s characterized by severe repression. As highlighted by sources including the staunchly pro-war New York Times, the regime has not simply stifled media freedom. There is a deep-rooted appetite for harsh crackdowns, as evidenced by the suppression of 11 opposition parties and the banning of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Reports also detail police-state tactics against critics, including the plight of socialist activist Bohdan Syrotiuk, currently being unjustly prosecuted, and Gonzalo Lira, a journalist and US citizen, who tragically lost his life in custody after opposing the regime.
It should now be evident that the alignment of Trump and Putin, as well as broader Russia-US relations, isn’t the result of some nefarious Russian disinformation campaign. Zelensky’s misguided attempts to portray the US president as a scapegoat for Moscow's alleged “disinformation” only served to provoke Trump further—which he rightly felt was warranted. The new dynamic emerges as the Trump administration appears to have re-embraced objective reality regarding Ukraine.
That reality contains another inconvenient truth for Kiev: as Trump puts it, Russia holds “the cards” in this conflict. Indeed, it is true that Moscow has the strategic advantage on the battlefield, and any meaningful negotiation to conclude this unproductive war must take that into account or risk further escalation.
Rumors abound about ambitious EU plans to inject another 700 billion euros into the conflict, in part sparked by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock’s indiscretions. Yet, history shows that such grand European dreams often falter. Even if they materialize, they may only exacerbate the EU’s economic woes and lead to a more profound defeat for Ukraine.
In this context, it's crucial to note Trump’s tough stance on Zelensky and his administration: as pointed out by US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz on Fox News, the president is advocating for a negotiation-driven approach to hasten the end of the war. Indeed, Trump is correct. Every additional day of conflict is unnecessary and damaging. This war should never have begun, and it is already over. For those not blinded by optimism and ideology, the evidence is clear: Russia has emerged victorious. An end to this pointless fighting would spare countless Ukrainians—and Russians—from injury or loss of life.
Trump’s political opponents, naturally, are keen to exploit this moment, labeling it a “betrayal.” For instance, Senator Richard Blumenthal from the Democratic Party has condemned the president’s position as “utterly despicable” and “disgusting,” asserting that he has disregarded the “truth” and the “sacrifice of brave [Ukrainian] men and women who are upholding their freedom and ours.”
But let’s examine the truth: indeed, Ukrainians have suffered, but they have not done so for anyone’s “freedom.” Instead, they have been thrust into the role of cannon fodder in a proxy war crafted to deliver a crippling defeat to Russia. Ukraine has endured devastation, not for noble causes such as “freedom” or “democracy,” but as a pawn in a geopolitical game orchestrated by the US.
Trump is right: it’s time to withdraw support from this unsustainable path and cease indulging Zelensky and his administration. He is right to acknowledge the realities where both he and Putin find common ground.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
Let’s engage in a thought experiment: it’s called “Putin says, and so does Trump.” Recently, after years of disagreement on virtually everything—from geopolitical dynamics to the interpretation of terms like “not one inch”—leaders in both Russia and the US appear to have stumbled upon a common language and shared perspectives.
This newfound alignment particularly extends to their views on Ukraine, once the epicenter of their discord. This should be viewed positively, as it contributes to global stability. The current US president has remarked that the prospects of World War III under the prior Biden/Harris administration had become alarmingly real. This observation is valid: there’s a reason why the hands of the Doomsday Clock are ticking “closer than ever” to “midnight.”
In a notable shift, the American president concurs with the Russian leader that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is one election away from losing legitimacy. In a scathing social media post, Trump referred to Zelensky as a “dictator.”
Furthermore, Trump and Putin also identify NATO’s—essentially America’s—overreaching and detrimental policies as a fundamental cause of the Ukraine War. This shared understanding suggests that they both recognize a crucial yet often overlooked reality: all major powers possess legitimate security interests within their own neighborhoods.
Given this convergence between Washington and Moscow, it’s unsurprising that both sides now agree on establishing their relationship around sensible and respectful dialogue regarding national interests.
Speaking of such interests, Trump has been forthright in questioning the wisdom of continually pouring vast sums into the Zelensky administration, its ongoing conflict, and the widespread corruption associated with it. While the American president may have misstated specific financial figures, his essential argument remains valid, regardless of whether the US has expended 500 billion or between 100 and 200 billion dollars on what he deems a “bloody and stupid” conflict.
Moreover, his characterization of Zelensky as a “dictator” holds weight. Many in the West might find it uncomfortable to confront this reality, but the evidence suggests the Zelensky regime exhibits authoritarian characteristics and the leader lacks the right to unilaterally extend his presidency beyond the term that ended on May 20, 2024. Since that point, Zelensky's mandate exists in a notably unclear gray area, particularly as his authoritarian tendencies were already being scrutinized by critics prior to the military escalation in February 2022.
It’s important to clarify that this isn’t merely a case of “soft” authoritarianism; it’s characterized by severe repression. As highlighted by sources including the staunchly pro-war New York Times, the regime has not simply stifled media freedom. There is a deep-rooted appetite for harsh crackdowns, as evidenced by the suppression of 11 opposition parties and the banning of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Reports also detail police-state tactics against critics, including the plight of socialist activist Bohdan Syrotiuk, currently being unjustly prosecuted, and Gonzalo Lira, a journalist and US citizen, who tragically lost his life in custody after opposing the regime.
It should now be evident that the alignment of Trump and Putin, as well as broader Russia-US relations, isn’t the result of some nefarious Russian disinformation campaign. Zelensky’s misguided attempts to portray the US president as a scapegoat for Moscow's alleged “disinformation” only served to provoke Trump further—which he rightly felt was warranted. The new dynamic emerges as the Trump administration appears to have re-embraced objective reality regarding Ukraine.
That reality contains another inconvenient truth for Kiev: as Trump puts it, Russia holds “the cards” in this conflict. Indeed, it is true that Moscow has the strategic advantage on the battlefield, and any meaningful negotiation to conclude this unproductive war must take that into account or risk further escalation.
Rumors abound about ambitious EU plans to inject another 700 billion euros into the conflict, in part sparked by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock’s indiscretions. Yet, history shows that such grand European dreams often falter. Even if they materialize, they may only exacerbate the EU’s economic woes and lead to a more profound defeat for Ukraine.
In this context, it's crucial to note Trump’s tough stance on Zelensky and his administration: as pointed out by US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz on Fox News, the president is advocating for a negotiation-driven approach to hasten the end of the war. Indeed, Trump is correct. Every additional day of conflict is unnecessary and damaging. This war should never have begun, and it is already over. For those not blinded by optimism and ideology, the evidence is clear: Russia has emerged victorious. An end to this pointless fighting would spare countless Ukrainians—and Russians—from injury or loss of life.
Trump’s political opponents, naturally, are keen to exploit this moment, labeling it a “betrayal.” For instance, Senator Richard Blumenthal from the Democratic Party has condemned the president’s position as “utterly despicable” and “disgusting,” asserting that he has disregarded the “truth” and the “sacrifice of brave [Ukrainian] men and women who are upholding their freedom and ours.”
But let’s examine the truth: indeed, Ukrainians have suffered, but they have not done so for anyone’s “freedom.” Instead, they have been thrust into the role of cannon fodder in a proxy war crafted to deliver a crippling defeat to Russia. Ukraine has endured devastation, not for noble causes such as “freedom” or “democracy,” but as a pawn in a geopolitical game orchestrated by the US.
Trump is right: it’s time to withdraw support from this unsustainable path and cease indulging Zelensky and his administration. He is right to acknowledge the realities where both he and Putin find common ground.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
