The people of Ukranie are for shock. Europeans are dismayed and Americans - despite the inherent snobbish cult - are looking helpless. Donald Trump has been cornered 'diplomatically' by Vladimir Putin.
US President’s comments in the run up to his meeting Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Oval Office coming after Alaska summit would leave the Ukranian President stumped.
Trump has ruled out Ukraine reclaiming Crimea or joining NATO even as a few key European leaders gather in Washington. Trump's bravado has simply backfired.
Putin - the old hand from the spy world - knew pretty well what to give and what not to. Alaska meet and the manner it was conducted starting with red carpet welcome for the Russian President - who was indicted by the international court and the western world - showed isolating Russia has not worked.
In contrast, Trump had to give out clear messages - some making a lot of sense.
“President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight,” Trump posted on social media.
“No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and no going into Nato by Ukraine. Some things never change!!!” he added.
A minute later, the US president posted that it would be a “great honour” to host so many European leaders at one time at the White House.
Earlier, caught at the losing end; Donald Trump did the easy way out. He accused the media of 'misrepresenting' his “great meeting in Alaska” – an encounter widely seen as a humiliation for the US president. On the other hand, the general interpretation is Alaska was a victory for Putin. India - agreeing with the White House - was also too happy to see things unfolding against an highly ambitious US president.
The US remains to its stance that Trump had made “big progress” on Russia at Alaska; but no convincing details were given out.
European leaders on Monday will reaffirm their support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and argue against any land swap plan.
But the so-called 'Russian aggression' seems to be set for being rewarded.
The European leaders will also seek further clarity on what security guarantees the US is willing to offer in the event of a settlement.
But Moscow stands firm. Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s envoy to international organisations in Vienna, said that Russia agrees that any future Ukraine peace agreement must provide security guarantees to Kyiv, but added that Russia “has equal right to expect that Moscow will also get efficient security guarantees”.
Putin has rather mischievously agreed for next rounds of meetings with Trump. But he was clear about one thing - the next Trump-Putin meet will be in Moscow. That means Russia's isolation is over.
However, the Russian leader did not give any hint of including Ukraine President Zelenskyy in such deliberations. In contrast, Trump had claimed there would be no future meetings (after Alaska). He could not achieve a ceasefire -- which Zelenskyy has agreed.
Trump has also embraced Putin's view that ceasefire may be worked out provided he gets Donbas region.
Result -- Distrust for Trump is on rise both in Europe and in Ukraine. And in the rest of the world - well an ex KGB spy had the last laugh !!
Down, Down .... American arrogance.
ends
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