Quote Originally Posted by Jampie View Post
How do you know what Trump believes, genuinely or otherwise? Do you take him at his word? I don't believe you do. I have seen evidence in this very thread that you're an intelligent human being. Which rules out believing anything Trump says at face value.

And assuming he did believe that Ukraine and its allies are responsible for the destruction for fighting back and for giving Ukraine the tools to do so, respectively, instead of, you know, the people who actually started the war by invading and are still attacking to this day. Assuming he really believes that, then he's an idiot. Because obviously Putin is responsible. Obviously the invading Russian armed forces are responsible. If Putin hadn't given the order, or the Russians had stayed home, there would have been none of the destruction and loss of life.

Do you honestly believe the Ukrainians should have just rolled over and given up, and let Putin turn them into a puppet state (or worse)?
I think Zelensky ought to have gone with his first instinct when Russia invaded. In the video linked to the article below, dated March 22, 2022, he is shown saying,

(Quote) Security guarantees and neutrality, non-nuclear status of our state. We are ready to go for it. This is the most important point. It was the main point for the Russian Federation as far as I can remember. And if I remember correctly this is why they started the war. . . I understand it is impossible to force Russia completely from Ukrainian territory. It would lead to World War Three. I understand it and that is why I am talking about a compromise. Go back to where it all began. And then we will try to solve the Donbas issue, the complicated Donbas issue. (end quote)

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe...ts-2022-03-27/

But then Boris Johnson showed up and, according to multiple members of the Ukrainian negotiating team, told him to stop the negotiations. I think that was a fatal mistake.

As for what Trump genuinely believes or not. I believe it to be the case because long before he ever sought the nomination for Republican candidate for president, and here I am referring about well back even into the 80s, he had always consistently talked in interviews about it being better cooperate with Russia/Soviets.

But let us even assume that I am wrong and that Trump does not genuinely believe that Zelensky and co. are responsible for wrecking Ukraine. For whatever reason, Trump is lying. Nevertheless, be has cut off American assistance to Ukraine. Zelensky has declared he will not negotiate with the Russians.

So then, what is victory for the Ukrainians and how will it be achieved?