Trump and Zelenskyy firework!

Not only Zelenskyy was stunned, the whole world was aghast at the fireworks in the White House on February 28 between Trump and Zelenskyy.  In my opinion, neither did they act diplomatically.  First it was highly improper for Trump to start intimidating a visiting head of state.  Even if he did not agree with Zelenskyy, he should have refrained from insulting Zelenskyy.  Zelenskyy should have kept calm and not been baited into a shouting match. Instead, he should have advised Trump to focus on the deal.  Trump is overly favoring Russia and made astonishingly wrong statements such as “Ukraine attacked Russia.”  Had Trump gotten the deal done with Zelenskyy which he could have, he would have been a serious candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize.  Now with his blasting of Zelenskyy, even if a deal is made and peace is achieved, the Noble Committee would be very hesitant to even consider Trump for a Nobel prize.

At a summit in London, the European leaders realized that they cannot depend on the USA.  Trump has rightly pointed out that Europe cannot continue to get a free ride on the back of the USA for their defense needs.  Hopefully, Europe will focus more on its defense needs.  Europe rightly believes that for its own security it cannot allow Russia to take over Ukraine.  Trump’s support for Russia is also making Eastern European countries nervous as they believe that if Russia is allowed to take over Ukraine or to keep any part of the occupied Ukraine territory, Russia may be emboldened to attack some of the bordering East European Countries.

The European Countries will try to have a deal negotiated between the USA and Ukraine involving the mineral rights for the USA and finally a deal with Russia.  It may take Zelenskyy’s resignation which may happen.  In all probability a deal will be negotiated and ceasefire would be declared.  Trump has also announced that he was waiting for a proposal from European Countries. What can India do?  At my request, PM Modi has had discussions with both Putin and Zelenskyy and has visited Russia and Ukraine.  It is not known what was discussed in these meetings.  In addition to European Countries, India can also have separate discussions with Trump, Putin and Zelenskyy and try to get them at least close to a deal and ceasefire.

It is high time that after a ceasefire in Gaza, there is at least a ceasefire in Ukraine also. Hopefully, a final peace settlement is achieved in both the regions.

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