The Observer view on the Russian aggression: Trump should heed Ukraine’s call for peace through strength
The conversation is no longer just about the present conflict, there is already an undeclared covert war under way
Donald Trump’s characteristically vociferous attempt last week to pressure Vladimir Putin into ending the war in Ukraine, which Russia’s 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 Trump’s tone and emphasis have changed markedly since he began his second term as US president on Monday. Putin’s refusal to enter into unconditional negotiations endangered Russia as much as Ukraine, he said. “I think he should make a deal. I think he’s destroying Russia.” Overt threats quickly followed. Russia’s 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.”
Continue reading...
Read more at The Guardian
-
President Trump’s Aggressive Week
He is already challenging the expectations of what a president can and should do.The New York Times - 2d -
Trumps says Ukraine peace efforts 'hopefully underway' as he calls for Putin meeting
"I really would like to be able to meet with President Putin soon to get that war ended," Trump told the World Economic Forum in Davos.CNBC - 5d -
Stefanik hopes to promote Trump's 'peace through strength' approach at the U.N.
Elise Stefanik delivered her opening remarks at her Senate confirmation hearing to serve as U.N ambassador. She discussed her past work in Congress and intent to promote President Trump's "peace ...NBC News - Jan. 21 -
EU gears up for tariffs and Ukraine peace plans on Trump’s first day
Also in this newsletter: How criminals are circumventing the crackdown on cocaine smuggling in AntwerpFinancial Times - Jan. 20 -
A call that could change history: Trump and Pezeshkian’s moment to forge peace
President-elect Trump has expressed support for a negotiated solution with Iran on all outstanding issues, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that Tehran is ready for constructive ...The Hill - Jan. 17 -
The Observer view: Donald Trump’s imperial bullying must be nipped in the bud | Observer editorial
Countries that cherish democratic values need to take a stand against the president-elect’s throwback to unabashed American expansionism. Watching politicians promise one thing, then do another, is ...The Guardian - Jan. 11 -
Trump's strength, unpredictability can help end war with Russia, Ukraine pres. says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is “strong and unpredictable” and those qualities can be a decisive factor in his policy approach to Russia’s invasion ...ABC News - Jan. 3 -
Jeh Johnson suggests Trump should try to keep Wray on through inauguration
Former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson suggested Thursday that President-elect Trump should try to keep current FBI Director Christopher Wray on through his inauguration, following ...The Hill - Jan. 2 -
Russian gas stops flowing through Ukraine
Transit deal expires with no follow-up agreement on flows to central EuropeFinancial Times - Jan. 1
More from The Guardian
-
India crowd crushes: dozens feared dead at Kumbh Mela religious festival – latest updates
Pilgrims are desperately searching for missing loved ones after deadly crushes in Prayagraj where world’s largest religious gathering is taking place . Dozens feared dead in India at Kumbh Mela ...The Guardian - 18m -
UN aid agencies cut back operations after Trump’s 90-day funding suspension
Exclusive: UNHCR chief orders clampdown on spending, including 90-day delay in ordering new supplies and hiring freeze. UN agencies have begun cutting back their global aid operations following the ...The Guardian - 5h -
Trump invites Netanyahu to be first foreign leader to visit White House
President makes major concession to Israeli PM, US ally who is wanted by international court for war crimes. Donald Trump has invited Benjamin Netanyahu to be the first foreign leader to visit the ...The Guardian - 4h -
Former OpenAI safety researcher brands pace of AI development ‘terrifying’
Steven Adler expresses concern industry taking ‘very risky gamble’ and raises doubts about future of humanity. A former safety researcher at OpenAI says he is “pretty terrified” about the pace of ...The Guardian - 10h -
Orcas hunt great white sharks in Australian waters and eat their livers, 50cm bite mark confirms
Behaviour of ‘remarkable predators’ also seen off coast of South Africa could affect ecosystem, researchers say. Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news ...The Guardian - 1h
More in World
-
Sri Lanka v Australia: first men’s cricket Test, day one – live
Updates from the opening day of the first Test in Galle Travis Head makes blazing fifty after Konstas dropped Any thoughts? Email Angus Final XIs have been confirmed and it’s a case of ‘Come ...The Guardian - 18m -
India crowd crushes: dozens feared dead at Kumbh Mela religious festival – latest updates
Pilgrims are desperately searching for missing loved ones after deadly crushes in Prayagraj where world’s largest religious gathering is taking place . Dozens feared dead in India at Kumbh Mela ...The Guardian - 18m -
Wednesday Briefing
Confusion in the U.S. after a Trump spending freeze.The New York Times - 21m -
A look at stampedes and crowd disasters in India over the years
Several people are feared dead and many more injured as tens of thousands of Hindus rushed to take a holy bath in the river at the massive Maha Kumbh festival in IndiaABC News - 22m -
FirstFT: Fed on collision course with Donald Trump over rate cuts
Also in today’s newsletter, UK considers EV subsidies and OpenAI finds ‘distillation’ evidenceFinancial Times - 32m