There is perhaps a little more logic behind the suggestion that Donald Trump might recognise those areas of Ukraine occupied by Putin as Russian territory than there was to Keir Starmer’s recognition of a Palestinian State. At least in this case, there is a clear identification of what territory and who is the Government. However, this is a proposal that needs resisting all the way.
What it essentially means is that Russia’s aggression will be rewarded. It means that Putin wins. History tells us that such approaches do not work. Remember that in 1938, it was believed that ceding the Sutherland of Czechoslovakia to Hitler would appease him. Remember how that turned out.
This however has been a continuation of how Donald Trump has operated with regards to Ukraine. The idea is that is the great deal maker who can carve up maps of the world with the stroke of a pen. Those actually affected are left on the sidelines. I’m not convinced that such deals really do work out. However, often, the deal maker moves on to something new before the thing unravels. Someone else will be left to carry the can.
In the end, what drives Trumps dealmaking is what is in his interests and what is in the US’ interest. But the result frankly is a soulless power. Trump’s great election winning slogan was to Make America Great Again. However, no one seems to stop to ask “what for?” There was a sense of purpose to America’s greatness in the 20th century. Whilst the US did not always achieve this, it certainly aimed to be a beacon of hope and freedom. Greatness for greatness sake is an empty reward.
It seems that at some point, a deal will be made that will suit Trump and Putin. It won’t be in Ukraine’s interest, nor the rest of Europe’s. Indeed, I suspect that it won’t turn out to be in the US’ long term interest. That’s why it is important that such a deal is held off for as long as possible.
Faithroots 