JCM 3/1/2025 10:42:03 AM

1

Thoughts on the Trump / Zelensky meeting.

Zelensky needed a reality check, that we aren't in the mood to fund a war with no end in sight.

Were Trump and Vance to harsh, it's interesting that Vance took the harder line. That lets Trump back down a little later.

The result is European leaders seem to be stepping up to defend Zelensky. I believe that is part of the strategy. Since the Russia threat to Europe is more immediate getting Europe more involved is a good thing. That sends a strong message to Putin he is isolated.

Could it have been handled better, I'm sure. But Trump is a business man and playing hardball at the negotiating table is his modius operandi. 

I'm not really please with the current state of affairs. However putting Putin back in his box is the primary goal and preventing wider war. Saving Ukraine is secondary.

We will see what the outcome is. Remember how Trump handled North Korea and Kim Un, harshly but then rapprochement, and a decrease in provocative actions.

Media is all, see see, Trump is a Russian shill. I don't think that at all. Zelensky has been this darling in the media, and Trump is taking him down a peg.