Trump Turns Up the Heat: Putin Now Has the Upper Hand in Ukraine Crisis!

Ann Kiernan illustration of a dove wearing a red tie holding an olive branch, Russian flag and Ukrainian flag.


TRUMP AND PUTIN PLOT TO END WAR – BUT AT WHAT COST TO UKRAINE?

In a shocking turn of events that has sent shockwaves through global politics, former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have announced a thrilling framework to negotiate an end to the Russo-Ukrainian war! But hold onโ€”are they really looking out for Ukraine? Or is this just a ruse to pull the wool over everyoneโ€™s eyes?

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the brave leader fighting for Ukraine, wasnโ€™t even on the initial call! Instead, Trump opted to ring him up afterwards like it was no big deal, casually informing him about the plansโ€”and what role he might be granted in this high-stakes drama! Zelenskyy, desperately trying to cozy up to Trump since before the 2024 U.S. elections, reportedly left the conversation feeling โ€œsatisfied.โ€ But can he place any faith in Trumpโ€™s shady dealings?

Meanwhile, American officials are giving a big thumbs down to Ukraineโ€™s crucial demandsโ€”demanding back all territory stolen by Russia and robust security guarantees, preferably with the mighty NATO backing. The new U.S. defense chief, Pete Hegseth, bluntly declared that the U.S. no longer sees European security as a top priority! What does that mean for Kyiv? Well, it means the U.S. may expect European nations to carry the burden of Ukraine’s security.

As a potential ceasefire looms on the horizon, fear is gripping Ukraine like a vise! Cities are occupied, families torn apart, and the eagerness for a respite is palpable. However, letโ€™s be clear: a ceasefire could mean Ukraine gets a breather to rebuild its forcesโ€”NOT a forever abandonment of its rightful lands!

Putin, reveling in the attention from Trump, could be setting the stage for a disastrous string of demands. His ultimate goal? Complete dominance over Ukraine! Heโ€™s not going to settle for anything less than a deal that meets HIS war objectives. Trump might be too preoccupied with his push for a quick resolution to recognize the peril this poses for Ukraine.

And thatโ€™s not allโ€”if Putin has his way, he would manage to hold onto a chunk of Ukrainian land AND rebuild his strained military presence, all while Ukraine regroups with support from the West. The product of trodden lands and broken dreams is hauntingly apparent, and the stakes couldnโ€™t be higher.

In this nail-biting showdown, Putin’s bargaining hand is weaker than ever. Yes, Russia has made small gains since late 2023, but at what price? The campaign to cripple Ukraineโ€™s infrastructure has flopped spectacularly, and the Russian economy is gasping for breath under rising inflation and a bleak growth forecast.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is swinging back! Theyโ€™ve held onto parts of Kursk and are striking crucial targets within Russia, setting fire to oil refineries and testing the resilience of the Russian economy! This daring resilience could change the game!

As the negotiating teams brace for their showdown, the pressure is mounting on Putin. Will he backtrack on his over-the-top demands? Could he agree to a ceasefire, throwing Ukraine a lifeline in exchange for some economic reprieve?

One thing is for sureโ€”the world is watching, and if Putin ends up on the wrong side of this peace push, he might find even Trump rallying to bolster support for Ukraine and rolling out heavier sanctions against Russia.

THE WORLD IS HOLDING ITS BREATHโ€”STAY TUNED!

photo credit: www.ft.com

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Source: USD @ Mon, 24 Feb.