Zelensky may want to think about leaving Ukraine before his own countrymen or the Russians also close in on him. From James Rickards at dailyreckoning.com:
The walls are closing in on Ukraine’s President Zelensky.
In a meeting with allies in Germany this week, the embattled leader requested NATO troops on the ground in Ukraine.
“Our goal is to find as many instruments as possible to force Russia into peace. I believe that such deployment of partners’ contingents is one of the best instruments. Let’s be more practical in making it possible.”
Nothing about this proposal is “practical”. Even if Zelensky is speaking about peacekeeping troops as part of a settlement, which isn’t clear, it’s still a fundamentally crazy idea. Simply put, it would bring us to the brink of nuclear war.
Of course, this isn’t the first time Zelensky has suggested that NATO should send troops to fight and die in this war. But this latest instance is noteworthy because it comes just ahead of President Trump’s inauguration.
Given the circumstances, the move signals desperation.
Trump Stands Firm
President Trump has stood his ground on this issue thus far.
Just this week he acknowledged that NATO’s courtship of Ukraine was a major cause of the war, noting that if Ukraine were to join the Western military alliance, “then Russia has somebody right on their doorstep, and I could understand their feelings about that.”
Trump correctly blames Biden for promising Ukraine NATO membership and escalating the war.
In early December, Trump’s team conveyed the message that Ukraine would need to make major concessions to end the war. Those concessions will probably involve giving up land already captured by Russia, agreeing to a form of disarmament, and pledging to never join NATO.
Wouldn’t it be amazing if Russia captured Zelenskyy before Trump is sworn in? I would love to see that.
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