I don’t doubt they would be. I do doubt that we would tell Ukraine that this joke of a deal was our framework for negotiations unless we wanted them to leak it for some reason. And why would we want them to leak it? I mean precisely what I have pointed out several times: our material aid to Ukraine is useful, not critical. Ukraine does not absolutely depend on us to keep fighting the way Afghanistan did. Nor do our allies need our logistical support to aid Ukraine, the way they needed us in Afghanistan. Our only point of leverage is to withhold aid, at which point not only will Europe crank up its support but also the domestic opposition against Trump starts picking up steam until he backs down. How long could Trump realistically cut off Congressionally mandated aid? Is it long enough for Russia’s buffoonerous military to gain a decisive advantage in the field? I don’t know the answer to these questions, but I would not bet against Ukraine. My point remains, until there’s a deal (which, yes, Ukraine would have to agree to), then there’s no deal. And as long as there is no deal, there is nothing for the pro-Russian crowd to preen about, and there is nothing for the pro-Ukraine crowd to wail and gnash their teeth about. Just wait and see. I want to see Russia defeated as badly as anyone on this board. When I get worried, I’ll let you know.
I personally hope Zelenskyy and the EU tell Trump and Putin to kick rocks and they’re not accepting this deal that they weren’t a part of. Especially as Trump has said the EU needs to protect Ukraine. Then what happens? Does Trump back Russia? Does he start sanctioning Ukraine? It could get really interesting to watch this play out on a national stage.
No need to hope. That’s exactly what would happen. Excellent questions. But lots of stuff would have to happen before that. What happens when the U.S. puts forward whatever the Administration has in mind for a security guarantee during these talks that don’t involve Ukraine or any of the other allies? In my opinion, that’s what these talks turn on.
Sure, but until what end? Will that magically grant Russia air superiority and get them maneuvering again?
What happens when logistical support for parts and maintenance on US specific equipment stops? Also, I think only about $4B remains on the Ukraine Aide bill from last year is left as of a month ago, so that means most of the remaining funds will be gone by March 1st.
Trump is a traitor. Shills for Putin, repeats his lies. Incited an attack on our Capitol as part of a criminal conspiracy to overturn an election. Guy is LITERALLY. A. TRAITOR.
Hopefully, Europe can step up with more military aid. Especially artillery shells. Ukraine seems to be doing well at generating their own supply of drones and related weapons. It's a shame that the U.S. no longer supports freedom or democracy and regurgitates Russian lies, but that's what we put in the White House.
they are fair, Putin said so, and he hasn't forgotten the last us politician, hillary, that said they weren't. anybody that thinks they are free are welcome to inspect the machines on the upstairs balcony any evening after 6
sounds a lot like people said about project 2025 before the election. nothing personal but trust to do the right thing is something Im in short supply of these days
I’ll once more lead with I don’t want any of that to happen and I don’t think it will, but in the event it does I continue to be amazed with Ukraine’s ability to improvise, adapt, and overcome. I don’t think it really solves any of the main problems that has kept Russia from winning decisively in the field despite all of the advantages it should have.
Certainly, I would never ask you to trust in people doing the right thing. But you can probably trust in Ukraine and the European allies acting according to their fear, honor, and interest. A deal without a security guarantee is not something they will accept, and they don’t have to.
I do trust them, I just dont like the taste of having the USA carry Putin's water in objection to our dedicated allies
Believe me when I say, I don’t like the language either. The only value in it I see is bringing Russia to the table for informational purposes. If we actually try to sell a deal that leaves Ukraine high and dry without the security guarantee, I assure you I’ll be sufficiently outraged.
