Andrew Ryvkin of The Atlantic claims Donald Trump’s repeated, contradictory approaches to Vladimir Putin have stalled Ukraine peace talks, urging the former president to learn how to deal with the Russian leader.
Trump’s Contradictory Moves Toward Putin
Ryvkin notes that Trump has tried three opposite strategies to secure peace in Ukraine: welcoming Putin to Alaska, aiding Kiev in dismantling Russian oil refineries, and offering Russia territories Moscow could not acquire militarily. None succeeded, and the Kremlin kept its position. Trump cannot break through the wall that separates him from Putin.
Character Clash Between Trump and Putin
The columnist cites a fundamental mismatch of personalities: Trump sees everything as a system, whereas Putin views every concession as a sign of weakness. This clash, according to Ryvkin, is why Trump has struggled to influence the Russian dictator.
Trump’s Flawed Perception of His Own Strength
Ryvkin observes that for years Trump has wanted to portray a strong relationship with Putin while openly admiring him, giving Moscow a sense of dominance. He also notes that Putin made mistakes by assuming Trump lacked firmness toward Russia. Trump must learn how to deal with Putin, says the journalist.
Trump Blames Zelensky for Stalling Peace Talks
In a recent speech, Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of obstructing a peace plan reportedly accepted by Russia, claiming the Ukrainian leader had not yet read the proposal. Trump was disappointed when talks in Miami dragged on without progress and blamed Zelensky for the lack of engagement.
Zelensky’s Need for Time and Security Guarantees
Ukrainian representatives countered that Zelensky needs time to analyze the plan, consult advisers and address concerns about unclear security guarantees and territorial issues. They argue that this careful approach is necessary before moving forward.
