The Observer view on the Russian aggression: Trump should heed Ukraine’s call for peace through strength
www.theguardian.com
Sat, 25 Jan 2025 20:00:27 +0200
The conversation is no longer just about the present conflict, there is already an undeclared covert war under wayDonald Trumps characteristically vociferous attempt last week to pressure Vladimir Putin into ending the war in Ukraine, which Russias leader launched three years ago next month, is a welcome shift.
Throughout the US election campaign, the Republican candidate complained about the cost of military aid to Kyiv.
He claimed the war would never have started had he been in the White House, and boasted he could end it in 24 hours.
Trump also avoided personal criticism of Putin.
The nature and history of their relationship has long been clouded in mystery.
It still is.Yet Trumps tone and emphasis have changed markedly since he began his second term as US president on Monday.
Putins refusal to enter into unconditional negotiations endangered Russia as much as Ukraine, he said.
I think he should make a deal.
I think hes destroying Russia.
Overt threats quickly followed.
Russias economy was imploding, Trump said.
Putin should settle now and stop this ridiculous war or face US tariffs, taxes and additional sanctions.
We can do it the easy way, or the hard way and the easy way is always better.
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