Trump plays to Putin’s tune

Trump just screwed over Zelensky, Ukraine and the four European leaders who visited Kyiv this weekend, siding/rolling over/bending over to Putin in forcing Zelensky to meet Putin in Istanbul for peace talks on May 15.

Remember that the U.K., Germany, France, Poland and Ukraine said no talks without a ceasefire and, if not,Russia will be sanctioned. Putin responds by saying talks first before any ceasefire - Trump backs Putin, telling Zelensky to meet Putin in Istanbul and again shows he is terrified of confronting Putin and sanctioning Russia.

Putin tells Trump to jump, and he says “how high”.

Difficult meeting now for Zelensky but I imagine there are clear red lines and he will be willing to walk away if need be. Ukraine will not bow to any territorial concessions, or anything which undermines its sovereignty without cast iron security guarantees in exchange. It will be willing to fight on - even without the support of the U.S. if need be.

It could be very acrimonious.

A key role for Türkiye which I expect to have Ukraine’s back.