Contd!
they have received (special mention to Roger Cook of Australia for succinctly calling Vance a "knob" &#128512 but realpolitik and pragmatism are also needed as the goal of a deal to try and ensure the end of the war is more important than individual feelings. Starmer, I am sure, privately shares such sentiments about Trump but has the political/diplomatic nouse not to share such sentiments publicly. To his credit, he has tried to negotiate a tricky middle course between vocal support for Zelensky and stroking Trump's ego in order to keep a deal alive as a means towards peace.

As for Putin, doubtless he will walk off with the territories he has already taken and -despite horrendous losses-proclaim his own victory which may only embolden his ambitions elsewhere in Europe hence the need for Western Europe to rearm and unify asap as any US support under Trump looks scant at best.

Despite the claims of his MAGA supporters, I don't think Trump will be remembered terribly well in the history books if this deal is reached (particularly if he continues to refuse any military backstop) as it smacks too much of exploiting a weakened ally but I still hope it goes through for everyone's sake, especially Ukraine. It is likely the only way to bring about an end to the war. Sadly, right is not necessarily might and "needs must".