Can Trump Resist the Kremlin’s Lure?

According to a recent report in The Moscow Times, Russia is attempting to entice U.S. President Donald Trump into an agreement that would reorganize the spheres of influence between the great powers. In other words, a return to the post-World War II era, when Europe was divided by the Iron Curtain into two parts—one of which was controlled by Moscow’s brutal communist regime, even through military interventions if necessary.

Such an objective, of course, cannot be acceptable to any sane Western leader. And that’s why every person in the free world must believe and hope that Donald Trump is exactly that.

However, according to The Moscow Times, the Kremlin does not share this view. It is exploring what kind of “carrots” might persuade the U.S. President to agree to the division of Europe. The list includes bilateral agreements on rare earth metals and Russian support for the U.S. in the Iran negotiations.

Donald Trump is also being tempted with personal benefits, such as the opportunity to build a Trump Tower in Moscow—something he has dreamed of since the 1980s. Of course, I understand how that might appeal to the president, even if accepting such a proposal would strongly reek of corruption—sacrificing democratic Europe for personal gain and vanity.

That is precisely why I believe the coming months will be exciting to follow in terms of the relationship between Trump and the Kremlin. Hopefully, we’ll see the Kremlin’s ambitions dashed against the solid reason of a sane U.S. president—one who proves he is not the kind of rascal the Kremlin takes him for.

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
Good luck to Chancellor Friedrich Merz!
The Free World Needs America’s Leadership Now
Has President Trump Lost His Grip on Reality?

Trump’s America: Criminal or Benefactor?

The American Republican Senator Lindsey Graham raised the question of why Ukrainians should consider allowing Americans access to their natural resources. According to him, "a mineral agreement would secure American business interests. Putin does not understand what will happen if the agreement is signed. He is in trouble because Trump supports the deal—he defends the interests of the USA."

In other words, in its difficult situation, Ukraine could trade its mineral resources for the United States’ commitment to defending the country against the Russians now and in the future. The idea is undeniably interesting.

On the other hand, the idea can also be interpreted—and this is the general perception in Europe—as the Trump administration blackmailing Ukraine into giving up its natural resources in exchange for American support. Put differently, this would mean acting according to the principles of organized crime.

In fact, I feel that both interpretations reflect reality. That is, the Trump administration is indeed pressuring the Ukrainians, but at the same time, it sincerely believes that the U.S. has no obligation to sacrifice its resources—let alone its soldiers—to save a European state without receiving something in return.

Which side weighs more heavily in Trump's thinking remains known only to him. However, Europeans should take a hard look in the mirror and recognize that they—yes, they, basking in their own self-righteousness—have neglected their own defense. As a result, in 2014 and 2022, they were too weak to act as a deterrent against Vladimir Putin’s power politics—and even weaker in turning the war in Ukraine’s favor.

In practical terms, this means that European security policy must be completely rethought. Instead of EU countries trying to shirk their NATO expenses, they must now take the lead in demanding strict compliance. At the same time, they must ensure that each state increases its military capabilities to meet the requirements necessary to keep Putin and future Russian dictators in check.

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
Europe Needs More Money—and More Will—to Defend Itself
Finland Shifts Stance on EU Joint Debt Amid Growing Defense and Ukraine Support Needs
Finland and the USA: Strong Allies with Shared Interests or a Trade Dispute?

It Is Time for Vladimir Putin to Acknowledge the Facts and Do Dmitry Medvedev a Favor

Ukraine carried out its first strike on Russia using ATACMS missiles. The attack targeted facilities of the Main Directorate of Missiles and Artillery of the Russian Ministry of Defense located in the city of Karachev in the Bryansk region.

As noted by the Finnish Minister of Defense, the use of the missiles confirmed that Russian threats of nuclear war have lost their effectiveness. And showed that Western countries can continue to support Ukrainians even more extensively and with more effective means.

Thus, Russia finds itself in a position where it must consider its response to what has happened. Therefore I will offer them—and particularly Vladimir Putin—a free piece of advice: now is the time to acknowledge the facts, recognize Ukraine’s legitimate borders, and withdraw the military from Ukrainian territory, including the Crimean Peninsula.

The strike demonstrated that Western countries will not abandon Ukraine in the future either, meaning Russia has practically no chance of winning the war. And the only reason left to continue it would be the senseless sacrifice of Russian soldiers.

At the same time, it’s worth noting that Dmitry Medvedev has once again made irresponsible threats involving nuclear weapons. He seems like a pleasant enough man, but is clearly not in his right mind. Therefore, I ask you, Comrade Putin, to do him a favor and arrange for him to receive appropriate care.

Aiempia ajatuksia samasta aihepiiristä:
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