Trump's actions on Ukraine: Threat to American legacy
A "New York Times" commentator warns that if Donald Trump concedes Ukraine to Putin, he will be remembered as a traitor to American values. The US President and his deputy, J.D. Vance, will never "wash the mark of Cain from their foreheads."
What do you need to know?
- Thomas Friedman, a "New York Times" commentator, warns that Trump's and Vance's actions in handing over Ukraine to Putin would have serious consequences for their reputations.
- Friedman emphasizes that American foreign policy for 250 years has been based on defending freedom against tyranny.
- According to Friedman, Putin intends to weaken the international standing of the USA and dismantle its network of alliances, with Trump being manipulated as his pawn.
The aftermath of Tuesday's conversation between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin continues. The Russian side agreed to a 30-day ceasefire concerning only Ukraine's energy facilities and infrastructure. Trump stated they had a "great" conversation and boasted of his good relations with the autocrat.
A commentator for the "New York Times" and three-time Pulitzer Prize winner, Thomas Friedman, expressed doubts in the American press about the White House's narrative that suggests a few discussions between Trump and Putin are sufficient to "end the Russian invasion of Ukraine on terms favourable to Kyiv."
Friedman warns the US President and Vice President that if they "sell" Ukraine to Putin, they "will be eternally remembered as traitors to the fundamental value that has driven US foreign policy for 250 years—defending freedom against tyranny." He writes boldly that Trump and J.D. Vance "will not wash the mark of Cain from their foreheads."
Trump as Putin's "pawn"
Friedman notes that Putin aims to diminish the international position of the USA and dismantle its network of alliances, particularly in Europe. He refers to the opinion of a Kremlin foreign policy analyst, who believes that Putin and Xi Jinping "see Trump as their pawn" who can help them achieve these goals.
Friedman emphasizes that Putin wants Ukraine to have a government similar to Belarus's instead of being independent like Poland's. He highlights that it's uncertain whether Trump desires the "Belarusian or Polish version."
As noted, Putin requires Trump only because he aims to impose "post-war restrictions" on Ukraine without further war losses. Trump is expected to achieve these for him.
The author criticizes Trump for marginalising European allies during negotiations with Putin. Although the allies spent more on aid to Ukraine than the USA, Trump abandoned their support. Friedman questions why the US President halted military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine, referring to Volodymyr Zelensky as a "dictator."
