Trump’s ultimatum is all about what comes after the "but"

But… Then came the “but.” And as we all know, everything before the “but” doesn’t matter.

I wanted to come, but something more important came up.

I wanted to do my homework, but the power went out.

I planned to skip drinking today, but…

I love Russia, but if you don’t make a deal, I’ll crush your economy and take your throne.

All the niceties directed at Putin, Russia, or the Russian people — they were all before the “but.” What came next was the ultimatum.

Either you strike a deal and drop your ridiculous surrender demands, or I’ll break you. Economic collapse, sanctions, tariffs, and God knows what else — it’s all on the table. Don’t make me do this, Vladimir. You know I’m unpredictable and don’t take responsibility for my actions. Especially, Vladimir, since you also know my sponsors need to pump more oil. There’s no room in the market because your buddy Xi tanked his economy, and China doesn’t need more oil. For me to pump more, you need to pump less — because my costs are higher than yours, and I can’t compete on price.

This approach has its appeal. Especially when you consider what people expected from a Trump presidency.

The real question is how will Putin react. He’s a bully and prefers to negotiate from a position of strength. But now, all those fairy tales about the Russian economy have been tossed in the trash. The narrative of a Russia that can fight endlessly — nobody’s buying it anymore. The new story being sold, just as unrealistic but in the opposite direction, is that Russia will collapse within months and people will starve. No position of strength there.

So, what’s next? Will they really drag out “Oreshnik” again and try to scare the world with it and their bare *ss?

Or will Russian propaganda focus only on what came before the “but”?

*Published with the author's style retained

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About the author. Serhiy Fursa, investment expert, blogger.

The editorial staff does not always share the opinions expressed by the blog authors.