"The American humourist Will Rogers said: "Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock." Mr Trump seems to prioritise first finding the rock, and then giving the diplomatic route a look. He had set the day after tomorrow (Thanksgiving in the US) as the deadline for Ukraine's assent to his original deal. Many regarded this as a complete capitulation to Putin."
"While Mr Trump has been unfailingly courteous and accommodating to the Russian leader, he repeatedly treats Mr Zelensky with disdain. At the weekend, the US president warned Mr Zelensky he should either accept the deal or else continue "to fight his little heart out". It was a remarkably crass comment, given Ukraine was invaded and its civilians are being nightly killed in their homes, under relentless Russian attack."
European capitals and Kyiv felt relief when elements of Trump's 28-point plan were at least partially set aside. Final red lines must be agreed between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump before presentation to Vladimir Putin. Trump appears to favour force over diplomacy and set an immediate Thanksgiving deadline for Ukrainian assent, prompting fears of capitulation. Washington has nonetheless adopted some Ukrainian concerns and begun briefing European partners. Zelensky's advisers worry about another humiliating encounter with Trump. Trump treats Zelensky with disdain and warned he should accept the deal or "to fight his little heart out", while Ukraine endures relentless civilian casualties. Rushing an unjust deal would be disastrous.
Read at Irish Independent
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