Here are the facts:
– Russia is the aggressor and the criminal.
– Ukraine is the victim.
– Ukraine wants peace more than anyone.
– Security on the continent is important to Europe. There are very nice highways from the Ukrainian border towards Budapest, perfect for Russian tanks.
– Europe’s strength is in unity.
– Hoping for Putin’s mercy is a bad strategy. Everyone should fasten their seat-belts and rely on common sense.

Until Trump acknowledges that Putin started the war and that he did so without any justifiable cause, Trump can’t be taken seriously when it comes to diplomacy involving Ukraine.

Trump also constantly undermines Zelensky: “He’s always looking to purchase missiles. Listen, when you start a war, you gotta know you can win a war. You don’t start a war against somebody that’s 20 times your size and then hope that people give you some missiles.”

It is hard to take Trump seriously, but yes, he is the President of America, so everyone has to pander to him and his madness. But he is full of shit. And he is not honest. When people talk about corruption in Ukraine they should first look at America. Ukraine’s corruption problems are small potatoes compared with Trump and his family.

“Russians should be the ones to compromise,” Zelensky said, adding that in the current negotiations the US is effectively conveying Russia’s position, as there is no direct dialogue with Moscow. “We don’t have direct dialogue with Russia, and in talks with Americans, they essentially represent the Russian side by relaying their signals, demands, and readiness levels. From our side, we discuss with America both our bilateral security guarantees and our responses to Russian signals. So regarding compromises with Russia, if America or partners apply pressure, and if America wants to end this war as they’re currently demonstrating at high levels, I believe Russians should be the ones to compromise.”

European leaders will be responsible for the even greater catastrophe of Russia’s next war if they do not do everything now to guarantee Ukraine stops Russia. Russia will not stop, unless they are stopped. Why most people don’t see this is beyond me.

The challenge for Russia is that Putin cannot accept any peace that leaves 80% of Ukraine free and able to continue pursuing a European future. That would be seen in Moscow as a Russian defeat of historic proportions. He may agree to a pause – but the war will restart unless steps are taken to secure Ukraine.

The free world on one side, the US on the other :

A closing thought : If Russia isn’t a terrorist state, then who is … ?!