EA-Times Radio VideoCast: The World Faces Trump 2.0
Ukraine War, Day 1,066: Kyiv Hits Another Oil Refinery in Russia
I joined Times Radio on Thursday for a 15-minute analysis of Donald Trump’s shifting position on Ukraine, pressing Vladimir Putin to make a deal ending Russia’s 35-month invasion.
I explain the possible reasons why Trump switched from threats to cut off aid to Kyiv to threats of tariffs and sanctions on Moscow: 1) his ego and pose as a “peacemaker”; 2) flattery by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky v. the Kremlin’s flat rejection of any negotiations; 3) the influence of advisors favoring pressure on Russia as well as Ukraine for an agreement.
Zelensky has played a blinder here.
In the past, Trump has blamed Zelensky. He blamed Zelensky because Trump got himself impeached in 2019 when he blackmailed Ukraine over military aid, because Kyiv wouldn’t dish dirt on Joe Biden. He has belittled Zelensky.
But Zelensky has spent months playing up Donald Trump.
I note that the Kremlin appeared to be caught off guard and consider how it may now respond.
And I consider how long Putin can maintain his invasion before the possibility that an “overheated” Russian economy cracks.
US and Russia don’t trade much. 300 million dollars is the 2024 figure I’ve heard. Trump’s tariffs and sanctions may prevent the US from purchasing uranium needed to power its nuclear reactors. So, that may be something Trump will have to consider.
Nuclear weapons aside, Trump has no leverage over Russia.