(P)resident Trump’s mistake

In global politics, there have always been dirty deals—Molotov-Ribbentrop-style pacts—where the fates and lives of millions were decided quietly. That’s how Trump’s plan to negotiate with Putin at the cost of Ukraine, European security, millions of lives, and the freedom of tens or even hundreds of millions should have been implemented.

He had a chance to settle everything discreetly—without drawing much attention or alarming Europe and the world. He could have stalled military aid packages for Ukraine, delayed decisions under various technical pretexts, buried the process in endless discussions, or even used the necessity of Ukrainian elections as leverage—“hold elections first, and then you’ll get aid.” This way, Ukraine would have gradually slid into a critical situation, while Europe, not feeling an immediate threat, would not have consolidated around Kyiv.

"But Trump’s egocentrism and obsession with projecting “strength” starkly contrast with the subtle approach required for such nefarious dealings."

For him, it is crucial to publicly demonstrate, “I am the best, the strongest,” “I can negotiate with anyone,” or “I can pressure anyone into submission.” This explains his loud statements, embraces with Putin, and open attacks on Ukraine and Europe. However, when a politician presents himself as a “strongman” while openly showing warmth toward a toxic dictator, doubts about his credibility quickly arise. Allies begin to worry, voters start wondering “Why is he acting so unhinged?” and long-time partners begin searching for ways to counter him.

"Dirty deals always become dangerous for the conspirators themselves when too much noise surrounds them. This allows opponents to unite, the real opposition to develop countermeasures, and other leaders to respond with sanctions or other actions."

Why Trump’s public embrace of Putin hurts his plans

Putin is too toxic—even for most Trump voters. While many Americans don’t care much about foreign policy or Ukraine, a negative view of Putin has become an axiom over the past decade. He is widely seen as an aggressor who threatens global order, a murderer, and a vile dictator. If Trump openly embraces Putin, even moderate Republican voters may feel frustration—if not outright outrage.

Blatant “security trade-offs” with Europe are a mistake. Attacking Ukraine and Europe so openly was an error. If Europeans and Ukrainians have learned anything over the years of Russian aggression, it’s this: “If someone threatens to kill you—believe them.” Russia has broken security agreements too often, and Trump’s brazenness only accelerates Europe’s consolidation against him.

Ukraine has become a symbol of collective security. Putin himself turned Ukraine into the epicenter of a global confrontation, and Trump, through his statements, has only strengthened Ukraine’s symbolic importance for global security. Today, Ukraine is the rallying point for all rational governments and politicians—the role Washington played for the past 80 years.

"Right now, this rallying point is Kyiv, as the place where the future of European security is being decided. That, in itself, destroys the idea of Ukraine being quietly “handed over” to Putin."

If Trump directly attacks this symbol of security and international order, he risks putting himself at odds not only with Ukrainians but with the entire democratic camp—including many within the U.S. itself. Meanwhile, his position weakens by the day.

The logic of power-hungry individuals who try to bend the world order to their will inevitably backfires on them. If a politician wants to betray an entire country, an entire nation, or even an entire continent, they shouldn’t make outrageous statements about it every day.

And we must remember: when dealing with someone who sees himself as an all-powerful dictator, the answer is not appeasement but the formation of coalitions to apply pressure and force compliance. Fortunately, Europe is with us, and the U.S. remains a complex political system. Protests against Trump’s agenda will only grow stronger. In the coming months, we are likely to see the first signs of policy adjustments in response to these changing dynamics.

Source

Author: Yuriy Bohdanov, publicist, expert in strategic communications in business, governance, and politics.

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