Recent drone attacks by Ukraine on Russian strategic bombers have highlighted the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with President Donald Trump’s response drawing attention to his complex relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite mounting challenges, including stalled frontlines, economic pressures, and potential new sanctions, Putin remains steadfast in his ambition to conquer Ukraine. 1h919

According to Politico, Former U.S. officials and analysts suggest that, rather than trying to convince Putin to abandon his goals regarding Ukraine, the focus should be on making Ukraine impossible for him to capture. This approach requires a combination of military aid, sanctions, and sustained diplomatic pressure.

Russia specialists note that Putin is likely aware of the concept of “TACO Trump” (Trump Always Chickens Out), which has gained traction in various sectors, including Wall Street. This perception suggests that while Trump might initially take a hard stance, he typically backs down, potentially giving Moscow room to maneuver.

New sanctions bill could test U.S.-Russia relations i62m

A new sanctions bill ed by the majority of U.S. senators proposes severe measures against Russia, including 500 percent tariffs on countries continuing to purchase Russian energy exports. The bill’s implementation could significantly impact Russia’s economy, though concerns exist about its effects on global trade relations.

Trump’s approach to Putin has been marked by inconsistency. While the White House maintains that Trump “has always been tough on Putin,” his actions and statements often suggest otherwise. His campaign promises to end the war within 24 hours, and recent social media interactions with Putin have raised questions about his understanding of the Russian leader’s determination.

The Russian economy has adapted to wartime conditions, lasting longer than many Western analysts predicted. Even if U.S. sanctions were lifted, experts suggest American businesses would be hesitant to re-enter the Russian market due to various risks, including potential future sanctions.

Former U.S. intelligence official Andrea Kendall-Taylor emphasizes the importance of sustained pressure through various means, including Ukraine’s military achievements. The strategy requires patience and consistent application of multiple tactics to demonstrate to Putin that conquering Ukraine is beyond his reach, regardless of his unwavering belief in Russia’s claim to the territory.

Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine is having a growing effect on its own stability at home. A worsening food crisis has forced President Vladimir Putin to make an unusual request to his closest ally, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, asking for potato imports. This urgent plea has also caused a delay in the delivery of the much-talked-about Oreshnik missiles.

The food crisis in Russia has become very serious, with Express reporting major shortages of basic foods, including potatoes, which are a key part of the Russian diet. The Kremlin itting that the country does not have enough potatoes shows how bad the economic problems have gotten because of the war and the tough sanctions placed on Russia by Western countries. This shortage is not just a small inconvenience; it is a real danger to social stability in Russia, especially for poorer people. The Kremlin has tried to make the situation seem less serious, but this has not worked, as rising prices and empty store shelves make the crisis obvious.

With this domestic crisis getting worse, Putin has asked Lukashenko for emergency potato shipments from Belarus. This unexpected request has put a lot of pressure on the already complicated relationship between the two leaders. The request shows a shift in power, revealing Putin’s weakness and his need to rely on Belarus as Russia’s economic problems grow. The Kremlin itting to a potato shortage, something that would have once been seen as an embarrassing sign of failure, proves how bad things have become.

Russia needs potatoes from Belarus 4e5w20

The potato shortage is not just about national pride; it also threatens Putin’s carefully built image of strength and control. The difference between his early promises of military power and his current desperate request for potatoes highlights the gap between Russia’s bold military claims and its weakening ability to take care of its own people.

In an ironic twist, Putin’s urgent need for potatoes has directly affected the delivery of the Oreshnik missiles, a weapon system Lukashenko had earlier promised would be ready “any day now.” Lukashenko, who had said these advanced missiles would arrive soon, has now had to focus on sending potatoes to Russia instead, pushing back the expected Oreshnik deployment until at least the end of the year.

This delay, along with the lack of any clear explanation for why the missiles were not delivered on time beyond vague statements that preparations were “going as planned,” makes people doubt whether the weapon is really ready and effective. It doesn’t help that Russia’s citizens are already divided over Stalin statues, but this may be how Putin’s fear of “hanging by a lamp post” comes true.

The Oreshnik missiles, which can carry both regular and nuclear warheads, were d as a major new weapon system, with claims that they could hit targets in just minutes. The delay in their deployment raises questions about whether the Russian military’s claims about the missiles are true. Earlier boasts about their power are now being met with doubt, especially since the delay is clearly linked to Russia’s desperate need for potatoes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed his complex relationship with the White House during a meeting with journalists in Kyiv on Tuesday. He meant that despite tensions, he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin causes more irritation to the istration than he does.

According to Politico, Zelenskyy defended his approach to communication, stating that while he might say unpleasant things, he maintains honesty in his statements. He contrasted this with Putin’s approach, suggesting that the Russian leader’s pleasant words often mask deception.

“In a partnership, you can be very uncomfortable, but be partners,” Zelenskyy explained. Meanwhile, Trump issued a stern warning to Putin on Truth Social, declaring “What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realize is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire!”

Russia prepares new offensive as Ukraine seeks additional sanctions 1y2j2p

The Ukrainian leader continues to push for increased sanctions against Russia, arguing that only heightened pressure can drive Moscow toward peace negotiations. While the European Union has implemented its 17th round of sanctions, the United States has yet to impose new penalties following Russia’s rejection of Ukraine’s 30-day ceasefire proposal.

Zelenskyy expressed openness to peace talks “in any format,” including direct discussions with Putin or with Trump’s mediation. He suggested Turkey, Switzerland, and the Vatican as potential venues for negotiations, while dismissing Belarus as an unsuitable location due to its of Russia’s invasion.

According to Zelenskyy, Russian forces are amassing for a significant offensive, with over 50,000 troops reportedly gathered near Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region border. This military buildup comes as Moscow continues to escalate its drone and rocket attacks in recent weeks.

The Ukrainian president projects that by summer 2026, Russian military production will decline due to sanctions’ impact, potentially leading to the war’s conclusion. However, he emphasized that ending the conflict requires Russian political will, noting that Moscow’s recent rejection of Ukraine’s 30-day ceasefire offer and subsequent escalation of attacks demonstrate current unwillingness to pursue peace. American special envoy Keith Kellogg confirmed that Kyiv has submitted conditions for a peace deal to the United States, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that Moscow is developing its own peace memorandum.

Tensions between Russia and the United States have grown worse after a series of sharp exchanges involving former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, former U.S. President Donald Trump, and current Russian President Vladimir Putin. The heated back-and-forth focuses on the ongoing war in Ukraine and Trump’s increasingly harsh criticism of Putin.

The latest increase in tensions started with Trump’s strong disapproval of Putin’s actions in Ukraine. Trump accused Putin of behaving recklessly, saying that Putin’s decisions could lead to very serious problems for Russia. He suggested that Russia would have been in much worse trouble without his own past involvement. These statements came after a drone strike on Kyiv that killed civilians, leading Trump to call Putin “absolutely crazy.”

Shafaq reported that Medvedev responded to Trump’s remarks on X with a serious warning, referring to Trump’s claim that Putin was “playing with fire” and predicting “really bad things” for Russia. Medvedev said the only truly disastrous outcome would be the start of World War III, directly connecting Trump’s criticisms to the possibility of a global war. This forceful reply emphasized how serious the situation is and how rising tensions in words could lead to dangerous results.

Former Russian president warns of global war after Trump comments 6vfz

This exchange shows a major change in Trump’s attitude toward Russia. In the past, Trump had spoken positively about Putin and Russia, a position that often brought criticism. Now, his sudden shift to strong condemnation marks a big difference from his earlier views and makes the already tense geopolitical situation even more complicated.

Behind this war of words is the ongoing fighting in Ukraine. Recent reports show that the conflict continues, with Russian forces attacking Ukrainian cities and making advances in the northeastern Sumy region. Ukraine and its allies keep demanding an immediate ceasefire, while the Russian government seems unwilling to negotiate unless certain demands are met.

Even though there have been statements suggesting a willingness to talk, the conflict has not calmed down. Reports describe ongoing artillery fire, drone strikes, and military movements. Russia recently held large naval exercises in the Baltic Sea involving many ships, planes, and troops, showing it is prepared for military action. At the same time, Ukraine says it has successfully shot down Russian drones, demonstrating its continued effort to defend itself. This doesn’t sound like a Putin that needs Trump’s approval.

The Russian government dismissed Trump’s comments as coming from “emotional overload,” making the already difficult relationship even more strained. While Putin has said in the past that he is open to discussions about a possible peace agreement and ceasefire, no real steps toward reducing tensions have been taken. The continued fighting and harsh words suggest that diplomatic efforts are stuck while tensions keep rising.

The long-term effects of this renewed hostility are unclear, adding more uncertainty to an already unstable global situation. Putin may be afraid of what may happen if he loses. The direct warning of a worldwide war, though extreme, is a strong reminder of what could happen if aggressive words and military actions keep escalating in the current conflict.

It’s not every day that a radio host sounds more grounded than world leaders, but here we are. Charlamagne tha God, never one to sugarcoat reality, just gave the world a gut check about the dangerously escalating back-and-forth between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin — and honestly, someone had to say it.

“Those two egos could be the end of civilization as we know it,” Charlamagne warned during a recent broadcast of The Breakfast Club. Charlamagne also added, “I’ve been watching those exchanges. I just don’t like when I hear [Trump] say, ‘Putin’s crazy. He’s lost it. Then the Kremlin, they throw a shot back. That could get stupid real fast.” Yikes. But also… not wrong. After all, nuclear weapons are involved.

Charlamagne concluded, “When ego runs the world, history shows us how it ends — usually with a mushroom cloud. Let’s not test that again.”

The Trump and Putin ego clash, explained 6xi1i

Let’s break down what led to this thermonuclear exchange of machismo. Recently, Trump went full-Trump on Truth Social, saying, “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!”

Trump later wrote, “What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realize is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire!”

Trump later told reporters, “I’m not happy with what Putin’s doing. He’s killing a lot of people. I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin, I’ve known him a long time, always gotten along with him. But he’s sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don’t like it at all. We’re in the middle of talking, and he’s shooting rockets into Kyiv and other cities, I don’t like it at all. I’m very surprised.”

So now we have two men — one with a gold-plated toilet, the other with a lifetime presidency — flexing geopolitical muscles and throwing verbal haymakers with the casual indifference of drunk uncles at a family barbecue. Except these uncles have armies.

Charlamagne: The voice of reason? 43k67

Let’s be real. When Charlamagne tha God — known for grilling politicians, celebs, and anyone with a pulse — starts sounding like the voice of global sanity, it’s time to reassess who’s really fit to lead.

For now, the Kremlin seems to be keeping a cooler head. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, referring to Trump’s comments, “We are really grateful to the Americans and to President Trump personally for their assistance in organising and launching this negotiation process. At the same time, this is a very crucial moment, which is associated, of course, with the emotional overload of everyone absolutely and with emotional reactions.”

This isn’t the first time Charlamagne has sounded the alarm on political recklessness. However, the fact that his words resonate more than half the foreign policy community says something terrifying about the times we live in.

Former President Donald Trump’s promise to end the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours of taking office has faced a significant setback, highlighting the complexities of international diplomacy and his misunderstanding of Vladimir Putin’s intentions.

Trump, who has consistently praised Putin over the years and maintained what he believed to be a strong relationship with the Russian leader, recently expressed frustration after Russia launched a massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine, just days after their two-hour discussion about a potential ceasefire.

According to MSNBC, Republican Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska observed that “Putin is making a mockery of Trump, and Trump keeps attacking Zelenskyy,” pointing to the growing disconnect between Trump’s diplomatic approach and the reality on the ground in Ukraine.

Trump’s relationship with Putin reveals deeper diplomatic challenges 2b721

The former president’s response to Putin’s recent actions revealed a surprising ission of powerlessness. Taking to Truth Social, Trump expressed his disbelief at Putin’s behavior, stating that while they had always maintained a good relationship, something had changed, and Putin had “gone absolutely CRAZY.”

This reaction demonstrates Trump’s apparent shock at Putin’s brutal tactics, despite the Russian leader’s long-established pattern of aggressive behavior. Trump’s statement that Putin is “needlessly killing a lot of people” seems to ignore the fact that such actions have been characteristic of Putin’s leadership style for years.

Throughout his presidency and beyond, Trump has consistently sided with Putin on various international issues, even going as far as to defend the Russian leader when confronted about his actions. In a notable 2017 Fox News interview, when the anchor described Putin as a “killer,” Trump deflected by questioning America’s own innocence.

The situation has exposed a fundamental misreading of Putin’s character and intentions. While Trump has spent years cultivating what he believed to be a friendship with Putin through praise and policy alignment, including criticizing NATO allies and ing Russian positions at the United Nations, Putin’s recent actions suggest he views this relationship quite differently.

Analysts note that both Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping appear to have a clearer understanding of Trump’s character than many others. Despite Trump’s reputation as a strong negotiator, Putin’s actions suggest he recognizes Trump’s susceptibility to flattery and his need for validation, effectively undermining the former president’s diplomatic efforts in the region.

The current war in Ukraine has reached a very serious stage, with rising violence and reports of increased Russian military operations. During this escalation, some reports claim that Vladimir Putin is deeply worried about his future, fearing possible consequences if his military efforts in Ukraine do not succeed. These fears are said to come from his sense of being exposed to danger and the heavy losses Russia has suffered in the war.

Intelligence reports acquired by The Sun indicate that Russia is gathering around 50,000 soldiers near the Ukrainian border, which could mean they are preparing for another large attack. This troop buildup is happening at the same time as a major increase in Russian bombing and drone strikes, including what is being called the biggest drone attack since the war started, with more than 350 drones used in just one night.

This increase in attacks is happening even though President Donald Trump has tried to arrange peace talks, efforts that so far have not worked. Trump has openly criticized Putin’s actions, calling him “crazy” and suggesting that new sanctions might be imposed.

Putin needs to win the war to survive 164u1r

Macer Gifford, a British volunteer soldier who has fought in both Ukraine and Syria, shared his thoughts on the situation. He believes Putin’s strong desire to take control of Ukraine comes from his wish to achieve what he sees as an ideological goal to bring back the Soviet empire. He also said that Putin fears his failure and would be “hanging from a lamppost in six months” if he doesn’t take Ukraine.

Gifford points out the clear difference between the Ukrainian people, who want closer connections with the EU and a brighter future for their children, and Putin, whose actions seem driven by his own personal legacy. Gifford suggests that Putin is very afraid of being removed from power if he loses in Ukraine, and he might end up like other dictators who were overthrown.

Adding to these concerns are the extremely high Russian military losses. Estimates say that more than 10,000 tanks, 22,000 armored vehicles, 26,000 artillery systems, and over 700 aircraft have been destroyed. The human cost is even more shocking, with Western officials reporting over 900,000 Russian casualties, including around 250,000 deaths. These losses create a grim background for Putin’s reported fears about his own safety and future.

David H. Carstens, a former Army intelligence officer, analyzed Putin’s weaknesses. Carstens notes that despite huge losses, especially in the first four months of 2025 (with estimates of more than 160,000 casualties), Putin does not seem pressured to seek peace. He partly blames this on what he sees as a lack of long-term for Ukraine and divisions in the European Union’s unity on the issue. Carstens stresses that Russia thinks it is negotiating from a strong position, even with its heavy losses. His analysis highlights the big risk Russia is taking, possibly leading to its highest yearly casualty numbers since the war began.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said publicly that there is no sign Putin is truly interested in peace, which s the idea that a major attack is coming. Zelensky’s statement is backed by growing intelligence that Russia is getting ready for a new large-scale assault, showing that the war is not close to ending and that Putin’s reported fears may be pushing him toward even more aggressive actions.

A life-sized statue of Joseph Stalin has been revealed in Moscow’s central Taganskaya metro station, causing a wave of strong disagreement and drawing attention to the complicated relationship between the Putin government and the Soviet dictator’s historical impact. The monument, described as a “gift” to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Moscow metro, shows Stalin surrounded by iring workers and children, presenting him as a cherished leader.

This carefully crafted image is very different from the actual history of Stalin’s rule, which was defined by political executions, food shortages, and the harsh gulag system that led to the deaths of millions. The statue is a copy of one that was put up in 1950, three years before Stalin’s death, and later taken down during the 1960s when the Soviet Union moved away from honoring Stalin, per Sky News.

Its return in such an important location is not a random event but part of a larger pattern under Vladimir Putin’s leadership. While Stalin’s image has reappeared in smaller Russian towns, this is the first time such a major monument has been placed in the center of Moscow, per Express.

Stalin statues are back up in Moscow 4m464d

Public opinion about the statue has been deeply split. Some people in Moscow have welcomed the statue, seeing it as a meaningful part of history and a source of national pride. Others have reacted with anger, criticizing what they see as a clear effort to restore the reputation of a leader who caused enormous suffering. While some view it as honoring artistic and cultural history, many others believe it shows a disrespectful ignorance of the millions who died under Stalin’s rule.

Svetlana told Sky news, “What were they thinking?! How many died under his leadership? And suddenly he appears here, this bloodsucker. How is this possible?!”

Another citizen named Oleg said, “We should and honour some of his deeds… But to put him like this is disrespectful. He did a lot of bad things for the Soviet people.”

This divide is clearly shown by the mix of red flowers placed on the statue and the angry reactions from people who cannot believe it has been put there. Human rights activists see the statue’s appearance as a planned step by the Russian government to change how the country’s history is understood. They point out that under Putin’s rule, there has been a growing tendency to minimize or ignore Stalin’s crimes.

The recent shutdown of Memorial, a well-known human rights group that worked to expose Stalin’s brutality, is another sign of this trend. Activists argue that putting the statue in such a visible place helps make Stalin’s image seem normal and discourages people from questioning his legacy. They say this fits with the Russian government’s wider goal of putting the state’s interests above everything else, making it unacceptable to criticize past actions, including Stalin’s.

Putin’s own comments about Stalin have been inconsistent. In the past, he has criticized Stalin’s violent policies, but he has also said that Russia should not feel guilty about its history. This unclear stance allows for a selective view of the past, focusing on parts of Stalin’s rule that the current government’s message while ignoring the worst actions.

President Donald Trump has boldly claimed that the U.S. is ‘not a laughing stock any longer’ thanks to him. If only we could all be as blissfully ignorant as him.

Trump made the comments during a speech at the Kennedy Center Board dinner on Monday. Of course this is pretty standard behavior for him, any U.S. istration that’s not his is simply incapable of doing a good job in his eyes. Trump has frequently attacked former presidents with Joe Biden’s istration being the most often used scapegoat. 

Even now, with news of Biden’s cancer diagnosis, the current president can’t help but fire a few shots at the former Democratic party leader. “We were a laughing stock, an absolute laughing stock, but we’re not a laughing stock any longer.” I think most sane people would certainly disagree with that statement

Trump proved himself wrong with his very next statement 2rbm

However, it’s what the president followed that statement up with that makes the whole speech hilarious in a concerning sort of way. Trump continues, “as I said, I was talking to President Putin for two and a half hours. That was being very seriously listened to.”

Being very seriously listened to I swear this man talks like a toddler sometimes. Does he even understand what he’s saying? This is just another example of Trump tripping over his own words and proving that perhaps he isn’t quite up for the job.

What were he and Vladimir Putin even talking about for two-and-a-half hours anyway? Also, the evidence doesn’t suggest that Putin or Russia are taking Trump and the U.S. seriously at all, in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Trump has let them have everything they want as the ceasefire in Ukraine continues to get pushed back. Putin is taking Trump for a ride, does that sound like someone who’s “being very seriously listened to”?

The U.S. is more of a laughing stock now than it ever was 5e4e4s

It’s safe to say the country has become more of a joke under Donald Trump than it was under Biden. Responding to the clip on X many agreed that the current president is the real laughing stock here. People from all over the world gave their honest opinions on the American leader. One individual wrote, “As an Aussie, I can confirm he is a laughing stock here.” Meanwhile, another commented, “Well, in Denmark it is hard to tell whether “Laughing Stock” or plain “DISGUST” is the dominant response…”

It seems most think Trump’s statement is the wrong way round. America wasn’t a laughing stock before, but it most certainly is now.

President Donald Trump’s long-awaited two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday did little to advance a ceasefire in Ukraine, leaving hopes for peace even weaker and causing worries that Trump was taking Putin’s side.

The call, which had been presented beforehand as a possible breakthrough, instead showed how far apart the two sides remain on how to resolve the conflict, especially when it comes to how much the U.S. should be involved.

While Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine would start talks on an “immediate ceasefire,” the specifics showed no real progress. Ukraine and its European allies want a 30-day ceasefire right away to allow time for discussions on a lasting peace deal. However, Russia continues to demand immediate negotiations focused only on a final agreement, a position that seems to have been strengthened by Trump’s call.

According to CNN, this strategy lets Russia keep up its military attacks while also appearing to participate in peace talks. Trump’s statement after the call was, “I tell you, big egos involved, but I think something’s going to happen. And if it doesn’t, I just back away and they’re going to have to keep going.”

Trump gives Putin reason to continue fighting Ukraine 6923y

Many see this as quietly ing Russia’s rejection of an immediate ceasefire, which is a key demand from Ukraine and its allies. Beth Sanner, former Deputy Director of National Intelligence, expressed doubt, saying Putin “seemed to get exactly what he wanted” from the conversation. This view matches the Kremlin’s own remarks, which highlighted how long and friendly the call was.

Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov pointed out that the call lasted much longer than usual, suggesting both leaders were happy to keep talking. This is a detail Trump’s critics say shows he was too willing to accommodate Putin.

In contrast to Trump’s approach, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for tougher sanctions against Russia if it refuses to stop fighting. He repeated Ukraine’s willingness to agree to a ceasefire and suggested holding talks in neutral places like the Vatican, Turkey, or Switzerland, but stressed that both US and European representatives must be actively involved.

Zelenskyy openly warned against the US stepping back from the peace process, saying that would only help Putin. His public statement directly challenged Trump’s version of the call’s outcome, making it clear that US influence remains crucial. However, it seems like Trump can’t stand up to Putin and will likely blame Ukraine.

The European Union also shared its concerns, with , Italy, , and Finland ing Zelenskyy in a follow-up call with Trump to discuss the implications of his talk with Putin. While expressing for ceasefire negotiations, the EU’s reaction subtly showed disapproval of Trump’s seemingly hands-off approach. Shortly after the call, the EU and the UK announced new sanctions against Russia, signaling their frustration with the lack of progress.

Trump’s istration has already shown signs of cutting back on military and financial aid to Ukraine. His comments after the call about possibly pulling US entirely if no progress is made deepened concerns. While Trump’s wording sounded like a typical negotiating tactic, his istration’s history of hesitating to give major aid to Ukraine makes this threat seem more serious than a bluff.

Donald Trump has once again bent over backward to throw a lifeline to Vladimir Putin. This time, he’s dangling the promise of “unlimited prosperity” for Russia—yes, the same Russia currently embroiled in a bloody and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

Russia, the instigator of a catastrophic war that has displaced millions, destroyed Ukrainian cities, and triggered a global food and energy crisis, is being flattered and enticed by Trump with promises of economic glory. Forget the fact that Ukraine continues to fight tooth and nail to defend its sovereignty—Trump’s focus seems entirely on appeasing Putin, the man who started this mess in the first place. If this isn’t “Russia First,” I don’t know what is.

The call, which Trump predictably labeled “excellent” (has he ever had a merely “good” call?), reportedly came after failed peace talks in Turkey last Friday. Ukrainian negotiators left those discussions frustrated, accusing their Russian counterparts of negotiating in bad faith. Trump’s strategy—if you can call it that—is as transparent as it is shortsighted. His pitch to Russia is simple: end the war, and I’ll shower you with economic rewards. He’s offering “large-scale trade” as if the global community has forgotten that Russia’s economy is currently propped up by oil exports, kleptocratic corruption, and a network of oligarchs who thrive under authoritarian rule.

This isn’t about peace. It’s about Trump’s obsession with positioning himself as the ultimate dealmaker. He’s the guy who thinks every problem, no matter how complex, can be solved with a handshake and a sales pitch. “My whole life is like deals, one big deal,” he reportedly told journalists. Great. But wars aren’t real estate transactions. You can’t just slap a “sold” sticker on Ukraine and call it a day.

If anything, Trump’s actions risk alienating the very nations the U.S. needs to maintain a united front against Russian aggression. Even within his own istration, there are signs of frustration. Vice President JD Vance was dispatched to Europe over the weekend, meeting with Pope Francis and other key figures, including Zelensky, in what appears to be an attempt to clean up Trump’s diplomatic mess. Is this what American leadership looks like in 2025? If so, dictators around the world must be taking notes: Aggression pays, especially when Donald Trump is in the White House.

President Donald Trump has declared that peace in Ukraine must wait for his personal bromance with Vladimir Putin to blossom.

“Nothing is going to happen until Putin and I get together, OK">Whatever that means.