Trump throws a lifeline to Putin

In my last blog entry (24 January 2025) I wrote that,

"Trump's urgency to save Putin is underscored by that fact that at Davos he stated that,

"Out efforts to secure a 'peace settlement' between Russia and Ukraine are now hopefully underway .. It's so important to get that underway"  (Hindustan Times: 23 January 2025: YouTube) " 

And the last few days underscores the rapidity with which Trump is ensuring that Putin becomes the victor in his war with Ukraine.

As Daniel Bellamy (left) reports,

“We'd better meet and have a calm conversation on all issues of interest to both the US and Russia based on today's realities,” Putin said in a TV interview.

In the interview Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday also echoed U.S. President Donald Trump's claim the conflict in Ukraine could have been prevented had he been in the White House in 2022." (Euro News: 25 January 2025) (my emphasis)

Oneindia also reports that,

"Putin's comments highlight a shift in global politics since the 2020 US elections. He also claimed that Trump's 2020 election loss was "stolen." These remarks have sparked debate about future US-Russia relations and the possibility of renewed cooperation if Trump returns to office in 2024" (Oneindia: 25 January 2025) (my emphasis)

It should be noted that,

 "Putin doubted that Trump would act to lower global oil prices to harm Moscow, citing potential risks to the US economy." (Oneindia : 25 January 2025)

 

 Oneindia : 25 January 2025

Further underscoring Trump's urgency to save Putin, Robbie Gramer, Nahal Toosi and Eric Bazail-Eimil report that,

"Secretary of State Marco Rubio halted spending Friday on most existing foreign aid grants for 90 days. The order, which shocked State Department officials, appears to apply to funding for military assistance to Ukraine.

Rubio’s guidance, issued to all diplomatic and consular posts, requires department staffers to issue “stop-work orders” on nearly all “existing foreign assistance awards,” according to the document, which was obtained by POLITICO. It is effective immediately." (Politico: 24 January 2025) (my emphasis)

 

Hindustan Times: 25 January 2025: YouTube

This renewed relationship between Trump and Putin further cements Putin's demand for the full capitulation of Zelensky.

 

Oneindia video: Daniel Bellamy : Euro News: 25 January 2025

Further supporting Putin, Trump is now also demanding that,

"Trump used Davos to warn Europe, demanding NATO allies raise defence spending to 5% of GDP and threatening tariffs on companies not manufacturing in the US. He linked lower oil prices to ending the Ukraine war and assured LNG exports to Europe would continue." (Piero Cingari (left):  Euro News: 23 January 2024) (my emphasis)

as well as,

"President Donald Trump wants to withdraw 20,000 U.S. troops from Europe and demand a subsidy from allies to pay for the remaining American military presence on the Continent, Italy’s leading news agency reported this week. On Thursday, ANSA said Trump has been delivering his troop-cut message to European leaders since taking office Monday." (John Vandiver: Stars and Stripes: 24 January 2025) (my emphasis)

One can only imagine Putin's emboldenment following on from US president Trump's lifeline being thrown towards him.

Putin and his 'siloviki' are now relishing Zelensky being forced to capitulate fully to Putin's demands because of Trump's current actions regarding Putin's war with Ukraine.

The spectre of Putin's war-shadow now also readies itself to engulf the rest of Europe.

                                                                           

        

 

(to be continued)