The US should accept Ukraine as the fifty first state. Problem solved.
Congratulations to Zelensky. He is making progress, which is as much as can be hoped for considering the sabotage effected by Trump and his enablers, Putin's ongoing dirty tricks, and finally, it must be admitted, a lot of pro-Russian sentiment in Eastern Ukraine. Ukraine people are standing up, being very courageous. Lets hope the American people, in spite of the Trumps, will support them going forward. Oh, and being French, am proud that Macron is stepping forward.
Bravo, Vladimir (Zelensky),
In the battle of wits and puppetry of gestures taking place between Moscow and Kyiv, a shout-out to Vladimir Zelensky who has managed to win Putin’s admiration, which is much more important than any weaponry America could offer. Moreover if there’s any ending this conflict it’s entirely in the hands of the Vladimirs. Ultimately, respect is what Russia demands (rightly or wrongly) and walking the tightrope between Moscow’s narcissism and the Nationalists in Ukraine is lonely and fraught-filled. Godspeed Vladimir (Zelensky).
The Ukraine is in a similar position to Hong Kong and Taiwan. The sons of Stalin and Mao want to reclaim the empire. The world has changed. We are one community in an existential fight against climate change. Dictators waste time and money trying to recreate the past. We need clean air, safe water, and a future for everyone.
Solve the problem? The problem is that Putin sent troops into a sovereign nation. Putin can singlehandedly solve the problem. If he wanted to, that is.
1
From the outset, Putin instigated the chaos in Crimea, that at the end, led to Crimea falling into the hands of the Russians. . All the time, refusing to admit that those in camouflage kit were actually Russian soldiers. To see Putin (the aggressor) attend this meeting in Paris, looks like a joke.
To have both France and Germany, play the role of an Arbitrator, is only to see Russia as the Bear in the room. Putin, is already making demands of Ukraine, that the latter should not have any plans to be part of a future EU, or of NATO. If Ukraine, is considered independent, Ukraine should be able to make its own decisions, and not be dictated by its bullying neighbor. It will be interesting to see what happens, after the next meeting, to be held after four months.
3
Look at the picture. Can you tell who is missing?
THAT'S what you get for lying, cheating, bullying, interfering: being locked out, being seated at the kids table, while the adults in the room talk about the important stuff.
Are you proud of your president, America? Had enough of his "winning" yet? It was bad after Bush II, but this is worse. It will take decades before the world will trust you again, IF, and only if, you do the right thing right now...
7
What I am about to say will be extremely unpopular with many other readers of this paper. But here goes.
Russia has been paranoid for hundreds of years about threats on its borders and invasions. The expansion of the Kingdom of Poland / Grand Duchy of Lithuania to the Russian border was perceived by the Russians under the Tsars as an existential threat. They then intentionally and successfully eliminated the Kingdom of Poland. Russia was invaded by the Mongols, by France under Napoleon and Germany under Hitler. Russia sees a fundamental interest in maintaining buffer areas between the Russian homeland and neighbors.
This has been Russian policy for hundreds of years under Tsars, Commissars, and Putin.
And at the most vulnerable time in Russian history since at least the German invasion (maybe longer), after the fall of the former Soviet Union, the triumphant West did one dominance dance after another, not merely incorporating the culturally western countries of Central Europe into NATO and the EU, but looking to do the same with Ukraine, which would literally bring NATO to the very border of Russia.
This is the context in which Russia reasserted control over Crimea, which was historically under Russian control and only "given" to Ukraine by Khrushchev in the mid-1950s, and home to the Russian Black Sea Fleet.
Great powers have spheres of influence.
Why is western control of Ukraine imperative?
7
Dear President Zelensky,
I am deeply, deeply sorry that you can no longer depend upon the United States President and American Republican party to be your much needed allies and full-throated supporters. That you have been--and, with the President's personal lawyer, Rudolf Guiliani, still haunting your country--still ARE being so incredibly badly used and betrayed by these elected representatives is a source of deep shame for those of us Americans who fervently believe in our Constitution, the Rule of Law, honesty, and loyalty to our allies.
I am very glad that you have Chancellor Merkel and President Macron by your side as you seek to put an end to the reprehensible occupation of your country by Putin's Russia and as you mourn those who continue to die to try to defend it. At least they are true leaders who understand truth and loyalty.
We, here, are hoping against hope that we can rid ourselves of our abusive, treasonous president. We are trying hard, but we are hampered by a Republican party that is choosing allegiance to party over their duty to country.
We wish you well in your endeavors to have a country free of both foreign occupation and corruption. Please wish US well in succeeding in the later as well.
5
I'm wondering what head of state, other than Trump, has Putin put under his power.
Clearly it's not Zelinsky, despite his being a novice at political machinations.
Could it be Putin is not the powerful snake we picture him to be but that Trump is incredibly weak and vulnerable to manipulation. Everyday my contempt for this so called president grows.
1
It's really a sorrow state of US influence in such global affairs, which is steadily going down under President Trump. Now France and Germany, with much less military and diplomatic capability, are putting up for the challenge to tame belligerent Putin and talk to him from a point of authority and influence that only US used to enjoy.
Trump not only defamed and weakened US foreign policy, humiliated so many effective US diplomats but also planted mostly useless and very corrupt people like Giuliani and Sondland along with Trump's daughter and son-in law in charge of US foreign policy. It'll take long provided a very able and dedicated President and the secretary of state.
1
Trump has ruined a lot of people. I hope that Zelensky stays strong and waits out this year. Trump put Zelensky in an impossible situation with Putin. All roads lead to Putin. Why aren't people using the word treason with regards to the congressional enablers like Jordan, Nunez, Graham?
Trump has put Zelensky in a box all right. The presence of Merkel and Macron is a good thing, despite what Macron has said lately. They will protect Zelensky from Russian demands. They will be vigorous supporters of a free and democratic Ukraine. Trump withheld military aid that Ukraine desperately needed, in order to repel the proxy Russian invasion. In the meantime, Trump continues to advance each and every one of Putin's aims bar none. Trump has undermined the longstanding bipartisan support for Ukraine which is, to its credit, trying very hard to join the free and democratic nations of the world. The impeachment has left Zelensky in no man's land. If he denies the extortion, he alienates the Trump resistance here. If he admits to it, he alienates the man who has publicly said he is willing to throw Ukraine to the wolves (to Russia). Congressional Republicans are tirelessly promoting the lie that Ukraine not Russia sabotaged out 2016 elections. Hanging over everything is the Ukrainian genocide. In 1932-3, Stalin murdered ten million Ukrainians.
3
I think that a derogatory epithet like "lame-duck chancellor" is misleading when it comes to evaluating Angela Merkel.
She is anything but lame when clashing with Macron over Russia. Merkel is no friend of Putin, she can insist on keeping the sanctions precisely _because_ she is unconcerned with re-election, and she will not be sidelined.
3
I hope I’m wrong, but the photo of Zelensky taking his chair across from Putin evokes a novice gambling in Vegas against house odds, with Macron/Merkel underscoring the frailty of Zelensky’s position. Or like the painting, “Dogs Playing Poker”, of anthropomorphized dogs seated around a card table, the crafty cardsharps playing the sucker who doesn’t know he’s being duped.
2
Zelynsky will bend to Putin’s wishes and gain a little bit of respectability from his peers.
"Please don't kill me!"
It is a mistake to think Ukraine is weak or unable to act with authority toward Russia. The EU NATO and especially former Warsaw Pact nations are watching and understand that Europe's future will be seriously affected by what happens in Ukraine. Mr. Putin won't around in a few years nor will Mr. Trump. What is best is to hold tight and wait for 2021 when the US will possibly have a new president.
1
We have huge problems in this country that need be urgently addressed. Let other countries solve their problem. Our “help” usually ends in disaster since it is usually tied to military spending.
1
Wait. Why are folks blaming our POTUS for Ukraine troubles with Russia.
They started long before he became our POTUS.
I worked and lived in Russia and Azerbaijan where I worked with Ukrainians. Ukrainians are divided over loyalty to Russia and penchant for free access to the West. Most still speak Russian as first language. They share the Church. And historically, they are emotionally more Russian than so called Westerners.
As has been widely documented, it's also one of the most corrupt and poor countries - not dissimilar to Russia which used to bail out Ukraine all the time.
But with the fall of Soviet Union - Ukrainians thought there was a chance for them to escape Russia.
There is a saying in Russia, "if Moscow is the brain and Saint Petersburg is the heart then Kiev is the mother.". It was in Kiev where Russian orthodox church was founded.
And Russians are not going to give up their mother that easy.
Strangely, the House is impeaching POTUS over an issue that in legal language might become moot. Ukraine may indeed settle with Russia - with or without our aid.
And as they say when the issue becomes moot - there is no reason to litigate.
So, if the House Democrats take time to listen to what's happening in Paris - they might save themselves embarrassment.
5
Zelensky card is getting Putin's friend out of trouble with a "documentary"....
symbolic, is it not, no POTUS at the table. that in itself speaks volumes, and speaks to the prejudice/injury to American foreign policy interests from Trump's corrupt gambit, at the expense of Congress, last summer in attempt to rig his own reelection.
What a brave, courageous statesman Trump is. Our allies can always count on Trump to defend them against enemies like Russia.
Crimea, like Poland, has been an area of dispute for centuries. When the Supreme Soviet transferred it to the Ukrainian SSR after 150 years' of colonial power in 1954 they acknowledged it's provenance, but considered the maneuver symbolic; the population did not.
I try to keep this in mind when I think about the Crimea. I also believe the Russian naval installations prohibit any thought that Russia, at least under Putin, will abandon them. I wonder if he's still paying the lease...
Sadly it is good Trump and the US is not there. He is a know nothing who listens to nobody. And if he sent ambassadors, he would undermine their progress.
3
...just as the amoral narcissist Trump is undermining our entire country.
1
I can't help wondering how that meeting would have gone if Ronald Reagan had walked in at young Zelensky's side. Trump has not only betrayed his oath of office. In international relations and national defense he has betrayed the legacy of Ronald Reagan.
51
@Billy Glad Regardless of whether one is a Republican or a Democrat, Donald Trump has betrayed the American people, our Ukrainian allies, and the office he holds. He's a disgrace in so many ways and it's heartbreaking to realize how much damage he has done to our standing in the larger world.
28
@Billy Glad
Lindsey Graham recently said that, Trump "will have American blood on his hands if he abandons Kurds"... Not only American blood, but the Kurd's and Ukrainian's blood as well.
2
It's clear that Trump's strategy is working. He will get impeached for it, but Putin will get what he wanted -- a weakened and vulnerable Ukraine.
It remains to be seen how much more influence Putin will be able to exert in the 2020 election as Trump's reward. I would feel a lot more secure if the GOP supported back-up paper ballots nationwide. Alas, McConnell thinks such a security measure is not necessary.
54
@avrds The Repub Party is against protecting our voting systems. They can only win an election now with lies and deceit. We no longer have a Democracy.
27
@avrds You mean "Putin's" strategy is working. Trump is merely carrying out what Vlad told him to do. Donald is a useful idiot in this situation, and that's it.
8
President Zelensky should refuse to meet in any setting with Putin until Russia withdraws all military forces from Ukraine including Crimea.
Not only are Ukraine and Russia are at war with each other, but the world at large are assisting Putin in keeping the invaded portion of Ukraine for Russia. Indeed Putin has already said that Crimea is now a part of Russia.
Ukraine can gain nothing from this meeting. Putin gains legitimacy for his seizing by force a portion of Ukraine the size of Texas.
This meeting should not be happening.
3
That would be funny, considering that it was Zelensky's initiative to meet with Putin.
3
This is frightening. Trump has done the "Kurd Walk" in the service of Putin once, surely the Ukraine worries about Trump doing the "Kurd Walk" on them. I hope Zelensky can hold out making concessions until our next election.
5
The Republican Senate can share responsibility for the decline of Ukraine with Trump. But Putin appreciates their efforts.
2
Strange that rather than discuss and inform regarding how the presence of Angela Merkel and Pres. Marcon helps Zelenski at the meeting, you dismiss them.
2
The US and EU should strongly support Ukraine and dump Turkey. Ukraine could replace Turkey providing naval support in the Black Sea as well as showing. That would be the way to fight Putin. Unfortunately that opportunity appears to have been largely squandered.
22
What I see from the picture is lack of US leadership.
6
I feel really bad for Zelensky and the Ukraines. He is between a rock and a hard place. My hope for the future of the Ukraine is that the EU will support them, because it is apparent that while Trump is in office we cannot depend on the US as long as Trump is President. Unless the Congress lives up to their original vote to back the Ukraine.
Zelensky maybe a neophyte in this fight, but he did win "bigly" and he has the backing of 75% of his fellow citizens. Money and training are what he needs right now. Hopefully our Congress and the EU will come to his aid.
25
If people are at all interested in why Putin, Trump, and the GOP are so fixated on Ukraine, here it is: where the rubber meets the road. Putin has called in his IOUs for the Big Show.
3
I hope that Mr. Putin will be relieved of his umbrella before the meeting begins.
3
Ukraine is a single country on the map. But in reality, it’s two separate countries.
The eastern half of Ukraine, especially the Donbass is Russia-leaning in language, culture, and history. This is especially true of Crimea, which was Russian for centuries before 1954. The western half of Ukraine has leaned toward Western Europe.
If a free, fair, internationally-supervised referendum were held in Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk were held today, a majority would almost certainly choose to affiliate with Russia. In fact, the same might even be true for several other eastern oblasts.
If such a referendum were held today in western Ukraine, there would be overwhelming support for joining the EU and NATO.
Putin’s direct and indirect control over parts of Ukraine are wrong and illegal. But the control is real nonetheless. And the Ukraine, U.S., and EU lack the means and willpower to ever take these areas back.
So perhaps the solution is to hold a legitimate election and let each oblast choose to remain in the Ukraine or leave as independent countries or even part of Russia. Once done, the Ukraine could solidify its western orientation via NATO and the EU.
In this case of the Ukraine, perhaps two really is better than one.
9
@John , you could be right about Eastern Ukraine, but it might be a bit early to throw all these people to the tender mercies of Mother Russia. I will point out that in addition to Trump's support of Russia, disdain for NATO, and apparent adulation of Vladimir Putin, Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron must deal this week with the likely exit of the UK from the EU. The UK is I believe the second most powerful member of NATO, after the US. Another formerly great nation shooting itself in the foot due in part to fake news from privately-funded media. Sounds familiar, no?
5
@John
Maybe we could do that here in the US and rid ourselves of the parasitic red states?
1
Anybody who lived in a divided Europe during the days of the Soviet Union knows just how dangerous it is when it comes to crossing borders, like it has already done with Ukraine and how likely it is to do it again without any kind of forceful deterrent.
Americans lull themselves into a false sense of security by not taking events in Ukraine seriously and by underestimating Mr. Putin.
Now might be a good time for them to take a look at a map.
Because Russia has.
19
@N. Smith
As a Swede I know this danger for my own country, for Finland, the Baltic States, for Poland. Russia is hardly passive along our borders. There are constant oversteps of various kinds along our borders by Russian navy or air force. It's constantly on our minds.
Putin is not a passive Russian bystander. The cold war is
felt by us all the time.
8
@Petras
And I lived in East Germany, which surrounded West-Berlin-- so I know this to be true.
1
Since the coup Ukraine has become a us client state on life support from the IMF and the military hardware everyone wants to send more.
Remarkable the reporting obscures the us objective of continuing to expand nato eastward as an aggressive move against russia
7
As much as people don't like Trump, the Ukrainian debacle, is not Trump's making. The "revolution"(or should we say coup) happened in 2014, two years before Trump was elected. And let's be fair, the things did go well in these two years. The American-chosen Ukrainian Government turned out to be corrupt and incompetent. Economy went down, the crime went up, There was a number of political murders that the Government ignored. The pro-Western President, who was a figure in the famous Panama papers because he tried to hide his assets in offshore accounts, polled 16% after just one term. He lost to the actor with 0 experience, who was elected on the promise to make peace with Russia. So, what could Trump do? Give Ukraine more money? But after the bank scandals, when billions disappeared form Ukrainian bank without a trace, do you really want to do so? Encourage Zelensky to stand up to Putin? But to what end? To have endless war, as America has in Afghanistan where the US dropped the "tough act" and talked with Taliban, and seems like going to talk with them again? How will Ukrainians benefit from the tough talk with Russia? But on the other hand, who cares about Ukrainians? Definitely, not Americans. They want Zelensky to be tough with Putin, not because it is good for Ukraine (how well did this strategy work for Poroshenko?), but because they don't like Putin. I hope Zelensky understands that and will chose what is best for Ukraine, not what amuzes Americans.
8
Trump has acted at Russia's agent in this negotiation, by making it clear America's support for Ukraine can be withheld by him any time, for any reason.
11
This is a hugely consequential development. Those of us who read history often wonder about the machinations behind imperialism and conquest from the 16th to the 20th century. What was it like from the shores of East Africa to the Korean peninsula when chiefs and kings had to sign agreements to let aggressors take over their land and to lose sovereignty? With Zelensky's sitdown with Putin, we can guess at some of the key elements: a powerful ally who'll stab you in the back; feckless neighbors eager for normalcy at the expense of principles; an enemy who will go to any depths for plunder and profit; and an amateur politician who's in way over his head. This is the saddest day for Ukrainians: American allies with Russian borders should begin to worry right about now.
17
@UC Graduate or maybe a p tape?
@UC Graduate
I was just in Prague. The Czech republic is petrified about what is to come.
2
Recently Trump asked Zelensky to meet with Putin to discuss their war. This would be like a world leader asking Roosevelt to meet with Hitler to discuss the war. I wonder if Zelensky would be meeting with Putin today IF Trump hadn't interfered?
6
@Barb the Lib
Part of the platform Zelensky was elected on, an important part, was his pledge to 'normalize relations
with Russia'. As the duly elected head of state, Zelensky
can meet with whoever he chooses. Sheesh.
3
Putin's toy U.S. President set this up so well for him. Wonder what the puppet in the White House gets in return?
16
Maybe comedian Zelensky can elicit a little laughter from KGB Vladimir Putin’s icy stare and cruel horizontal lips.
5
Here’s hoping Ukrainians follow the path to democracy! The power of KGB Putin is a major impediment. The public must be watchful and responsive to anti democratic proposals, either direct or indirect, by Putin proposed to the newly elected president of Ukraine in any discussions for a peace settlement to the war initiated by Russia under Putin’s directive.
3
I have lived in Ukraine for 24 years and the shift in public sentiment, stated priorities, and insistence on breaking with the toxic sociopolitical path of the USSR are demonstrable. This year's parliamentary election saw a turnover of 70%. They "threw the bums" out who had settled - for 28 post-soviet years - for the status quo corruption that Russia favors and unmolested Kremlin hegemony.
That has changed. Territories annexed. Industries stripped, dismantled and carted north to Moscow. Billions looted from the state treasury. The Ukrainian people - even the oldest generation often pictured as those with a fondness for all things soviet - have had their fill. Because, in addition to the offences listed above, blood has been spilled. As one old codger told me: 'they always stole from us but this time they went after our grandkids'.
Ukraine, by a significant majority both public and private, is committed to a western path. Russia-long our dominant trade partner-has fallen far down the list and the economy in Ukraine? Booming. The army regenerated, heroic. No visa restrictions for travel to Europe. More and greater transparency in government services than I ever would have believed.
And westerners are worried that Zelensky, a man of the 21st-century, is going to give all that up for a "re-set"? Or that we're stunted by "Cold War thinking"?
The cowardice of Trump and the capitulation of Macron mean nothing. This is David v Goliath. And Ukraine knows how that story ends.
75
@Il'ja
The last sentence seems out of place. Didn't David win?
2
@What'sNew Yes he did, and that's the point. Despite all logic, against all odds, overcoming the betrayal of the Trump administration and the weakening of professed western allies, Ukrainians will prevail through steadfast perseverance.
14
@Randolph
You are right, I was wrong. Blame it on my speed-reading.
This whole war can be attributed to one autocratic Russian individual motivated by the notions of expansionism, revanchism, nationalism, imperialism, militarism, colonialism, capitalism. These words were used in the 50s and 60s in communist propaganda and now so curiously apply to Putin's regime itself.
I don't think that Russian's population shares Putin's animosity towards Ukraine. Ukraine must, therefore, remain vigilant and patient, and wait for Putin's successor.
What bothers me with Trump's betrayal is the large number of people that have been found to willingly sell out to Putin. It is not simply one individual, it seems a whole class. Moreover, the law is quite clear. When their errors are pointed out to them, they do not reflect and change their ways, but without shame simply continue. It is incomprehensible. Groupthink? Power worship?
10
Trump has consistently made, or not made, decisions that benefit Russia and Putin since before he was even elected. Why are we not attempting to inpeach him for treason? That seems to be a much stronger plank on which to base an impeachment proceeding than simply a quid pro quo on a WH meeting and the witholding of military aid, especially now that we find out Trump legally had the right to delay the release of that military aid until the end of September, and ultimately did release it. Either Trump is brain dead stupid, which I doubt, or he is bought and paid for by the Russians. Most likely he is financially in debt up to his eyeballs to Russia, as a result of his many bankruptcies eliminating one-by-one traditional sources of loans to keep his remaining businesses afloat. Perhaps this is why Trump is fighting so hard to keep his financial records secret. Putin owns him.
12
The world probably hasn’t got the maturity to solve problems like this now. But if it did and there could be compromise : Crimea to Russia after an internationally monitored plebiscite (it’s heavily Russian) ; the Donetsk reunited with Ukraine ; Ukraine free to join the EU but not NATO for 20 years.
3
Instead of comparing the cars Zelenskiy and Putin arrived to show a power imbalance, we might want to use the comparison to show Zelenskiy’s anti-corruption stance regarding government privilege.
13
'the counterweight Ukraine had in its favor until recently: clear backing from the United States.'
A nice way of acknowledging the US's role in prolonging the conflict.
9
@Dudley Dooright
But you make no mention of who actually started the conflict.
No idea?
Find Crimea on the map.
2
@N. Smith
I remember pretty clearly actually
I had just returned from Donbas to learn Kiev was bombing my wife’s home and killing her mom
There was a Russian base in Crimea before all this started. Been there many times.
Crimea was never culturally Russian
All the soldiers had to do was go outside
2
I live in hope that Mr. Zelensky will reach down inside himself and find the courage to tell Mr. Putin to go jump in the nearest lake.
What a lesson that would be for us living here in the U.S. to see a leader unwilling to scrape and bow to Putin, a man who has been crushing freedoms in his own country and others around the world for the past 20 years.
7
@A. Stanton I really hope he is not so stupid, after all he was the one who asked for the meeting.
4
The war has served its purpose for putin. By invading Ukraine, the Baltic states and others know he means business about not aligning themselves with the west. That will make them think twice about hosting our missile batteries or any military exercises. Now begins the role of putin as statesman. He will negotiate a quick end to the solution with a neophyte at Ukraine's helm. He's a comedian but dont assume hes a fool; hes surrounded by hardened men and madmen. His only card is to continue a low level war that saps the russian economy slowly. They cant bomb kiev like they did in Germany, right? The Ukrainians want their land back and putin might just give it back, at least temporarily, as long as hes assured that his apparatchiks can rule in his favor. Other than Ukraine, all is quiet on Putin's western front now and an added benefit is getting a friendly whitehouse. Now's the time for a deal, thinks putin, one that looks good to the west because its rubber stamped by two weak European statesmen, burnishes his reputation, sends a message to the Baltic states and others in his orbit that they're not going anywhere, and gets a high 5 from the Russian public
3
@W.N FYI: The Soviet Union BOMBED Germany in response to Germany invading the Soviet Union with the goal of turning all “inferior Slavs”, including Ukrainians, into slaves of the superior Arian race. In terms of bombing Germany, it was Americans who carpet-bombed the civilian population. About 40% of the Ukrainian population and 85% of the Crimeans are ethnic Russians. Please, learn basic history if you vote!
5
Trump obediently followed Putin's orders and destroyed any leverage Zelensky might have had.
I am depressed that the Democratically controlled House did not pass a resolution in support of Ukraine. Sadly, the GOP cowards and Russia-sympathizers in the Senate would not have dared go against Putin. What a wretched country, the USA is, when we cannot stand up for an ally who is fighting against Russia.
22
It's the nuts of the world that start wars. Everyone remembers who the nuts are. The longer the war, the bigger the nut.
Can't help but notice who's conspicuously absent from the picture at the top of the article. First time in my life peace talks go on without the U.S. involved.
36
@S maltophilia The world is figuring out that the US doesn't stand for peace?
4
France and Germany are the leaders aiding this meeting between Putin and Zelensky. Thank Goodness. However, I am struck at how low America's clout has become on the world stage. We're not there and we have no one to blame but half the United States citizens who think that Trump is their savior. Little do they realize, we're on a fast track to the bottom. It's disgusting and my heart brakes.
40
Trump has done this man and this country (the Ukraine) a tremendous disservice. It’s another example of coddling our enemies at the expense of our allies. I’m glad I’m old, not sure I want to see how this mess ends.
34
Is this a delayed relay after Trump spoke to Zelensky on July 25th? Why did Zelensky wait until now,seven months after his election?
All nations in the region are scared to death of Putin's idea of an aggressive USSR reimagined with himself as dictator (thinly disguised as communism). Ukraine is only just becoming accustomed to the idea of free democratic elections. Trump is fumbling away this rare opportunity to contain Putin and his "strongman" dictatorship ambitions until democracy takes strong root.
12
@Grunchy
Trump is not fumbling, he's running the ball for Putin.
2
I'm sure it would have helped Zelensky if Trump wasn't so interested in assuring Russia's success in taking their country from them. His actions have complicated this greatly, I hope the jab at Joe Biden was worth it to him. It certainly wasn't helpful in assuring the success of democratic nations, and what they stand for.
39
Russia under its various political guises has plotted and fought to control and/or subsume the Ukraine for centuries. This is a matter for them and Europe to solve. President Obama was absolutely correct to encourage a peace settlement without getting directly involved, and it is proper for President Trump, his current follies with the Ukraine notwithstanding, to do the same. Those in the U.S. government who think we should support the Ukraine are thinking with a Cold War mentality, and should realize that the Trump administration was chosen at least in part in order to back away from imperialistic U.S. meddling in foreign conflicts.
7
As matter of fact, Ukraine and Russia were one country for many centuries.
10
@David Godinez
So, we should sit back and let another Cold War begin?
That's what Putin wants and Trump is opening the door.
3
@yulia Yes there were one country. But New Mexico, Texas and California were a part of Mexico at one time. What is your point?
8
Regions must be united for the simple fact of combined defense and political power to deter Putin who has already annexed Crimea so there is no reason to trust him. And, be watchful of secret meetings between Zelensky and Putin.
5
All of Putin's motives for interfering in our elections are present in this article. It's all about Crimea, warm water ports for Russia, and control of the Ukraine.
16
@Dr J Don't forget the oil, Putin wants Ukraine's oil.
4
I think that big power intervention leads to elevated hostilities. The best way to help is for Zelensky to realize that membership in the EU and secondarily NATO is what will bring the progress and peace needed in the Ukraine. But the Ukraine must pay the price: give over much of the Eastern provinces with a resettlement package for those wishing to remain and forgetting about Crimea. Then the West will have all the reason to be tough on Russia. Negotiation is not about getting your way. It is about making tough on getting what is important and letting go of something in return.
4
There are several problems with that. EU is not eager to accept new members, especially with problems it has with Hungry and Poland. Romania and Bulgaria are hardly booming despite being members of NATO and EU. How will you convince Ukrainians in the benefits of NATO and EU?
4
@yulia
The Ukrainians want to be a member of the EU and NATO. Putin is in opposition and Trump could care less.
3
@Les They may, but clearly the EU is not in the mood. Do they really want to be led by the nose to no-where? Or they actually start to think that Russia is not so bad. Didn't 54% of Ukrainians have a positive opinion of Russia, according to survey by Kiev Institute? Wasn't Zelensky elected on the promises to improve relation with Russia?
4
The United States must play a role in settling the situation in Ukraine. U.S. leadership is essential for stability in the region. Without backing from the U.S., Ukraine will not have enough support to fend off Russia’s dominance. Ukraine cannot do it alone, it is too beholden to Russia’s influence and power. Ukraine needs a strong ally to prop them up, and that ally has to be The United States. The U.S. should be at that table in Paris. Ceding this influence to Russia will only hurt the U.S. in the long run by empowering Russia to continue to advance its foreign policy agenda.
10
@Kane Kyle Unfortunately, sending the US right now would just be sending a puppet regime to mirror Russia's position. If you find that rather stark, work to vote Trump out of office.
18
How did American leadership work in the ME? How stable is it now? Is Kosovo a prosper democracy or a mafia state? No wonder, Russia doesn't want such leadership in its backyard.
4
@yulia
Yeah, Russia is a shining example of freedom and democracy. Sure...right.
3