Trump-Putin Call: A "Sham" Deal to Sell Out Ukraine, Analyst Claims

Diplomatic "Sham" and Ukraine's Future

• 💡 The recent phone call between Trump and Putin is described as a "theatrical diplomatic exercise" rather than a genuine peace brokering effort.
• 🎯 The call is interpreted as a deal where Moscow can return to the global economic stage by "selling out Ukraine."
• ⚠️ The US is accused of "throwing Ukraine under the bus", with Putin's core ambitions remaining unchanged.

Putin's Unchanged Ambitions and Demands

• 🇷🇺 Putin's primary demands include the cessation of foreign military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv, which are dealbreakers for European allies.
• 🗺️ His ambition to retain captured territory and potentially expand further is highlighted, with the quote "Russia's borders never end" underscoring his mindset.
• ⏳ The analysis suggests Putin buys time and extracts concessions without making real compromises, a logic that European leaders are operating under.

European Response and Security Guarantees

• 🛡️ European leaders are in "damage control mode" after feeling abandoned by the US, focusing on shoring up their own defenses.
• 🤝 Efforts are underway to form "coalitions of the willing," led by France and the UK, to explore possibilities like peacekeepers and provide Ukraine with necessary security guarantees.
• 🚫 Putin is outright rejecting these security guarantees, which are seen as the only viable basis for any peace plan.

Shifting US Public Opinion on Ukraine Aid

• 📊 A recent Gallup poll indicates a significant shift in US public opinion, with 46% believing the US is not doing enough to help Ukraine.
• 📈 This figure represents a 16-point increase since December, showing growing support for continued assistance.
• 🇺🇸 This sentiment appears to be at odds with Donald Trump's policy, which is perceived as more rapprochement with Russia and less supportive of Ukraine.