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EDITORIAL | Are World Leaders Dumb, Stupid, Sociopaths, or Psychopaths, or All of the Above (Part 7)?

By Abraham A. van Kempen
18 July 2025

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Do You Know What’s Going On?

Do you know it all? Have you figured it out? Wake up! Compared to all that is to be learned – and to know –, we all know very little. Recognizing this keeps me humble, even though I lack humility, as is often rubbed in by my wife of 40+ years. So, whatever I say, write, and worse, pontificate, take it with a grain of salt. To quote the late Henry Kissinger, “I know a lot but not everything.”

I took a two-week break to rest my eyes and recover from complications of cataract surgery. We were advised that the process would take four weeks, from March 25 to April 22. Today is July 11, and I am still not fully recovered. It may take another 8-12 weeks to heal with ‘mission accomplished.’ My right eye is fine, but my left is stubborn. I'm following an intensive treatment protocol, likely ending with an intravitreal steroid injection – a shot directly into my eyeball. If that won’t work, we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.

Meanwhile, I am on a streak with my editorials, which some find absurd, even deranged, while others find insightful. My argument: President Trump is either delusional or a master of illusion— smoke and mirrors, what appears to be true may not be, and what isn't may be. Is he a genius, in control of the circus?

This week’s edition of Our Friday News Analysis (FNA) catapults into the White House Reality TV Show, and I don’t mean any disrespect, starring President Donald J. Trump, co-starring President Vladimir Putin, President Vladimir Zelensky, with a special appearance of Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who will never be welcome to share a meal at our house, unlike his predecessor, Prime Minister Wim Kok and his wife, Rita Kok. Young Mark is the biggest disappointment among all former prime ministers in the history of the Netherlands, if not the world. And now, he is bluffing his way on the world stage, playing a make-believe game of Russian Roulette with our lives. I don’t know of anyone in The Hague who wants a nuclear crater in their backyard. Marky knows that. Of course, I propose – not to impose – my opinion humbly.

A few weeks ago, little Mark called Mr. Trump ‘daddy.’ Trump wasn't born yesterday. He may pretend to be flattered, but his street smarts recognize the trap – that the wet-behind-the-ears Secretary-General was just kissing up to Mr. Trump’s ego. But President Trump remains resolute, even as his ambiguities are shrouded in smoke and mirrors: what is, IS NOT; what is not, IS.

• President Trump collides in a love-hate clash with most EU leaders, with some notable exceptions. It's fair to say Mr. Trump detests them while they loathe him. Some might even wish to toss Mr. Trump into a pond of alligators head first, highlighting the intensity of their feelings, even if expressed with humor. Take my word for it, the feelings are mutual. Mr. Trump would love to flush their collective treachery that undermines traditional norms and values based on sacred European traditions and international law out into the open. The EU leadership is a menace to the Europeans and the people of the world.
• The EU wants a defeated, divided, and disillusioned Russia, with a bankrupt economy and a regime change in Moscow, when Russia has already won the war.
• Like little boys fighting over their side of the sandbox, the EU leadership wants to have it all by spending trillions to militarize, even though the people of Europe will vote them out before such fantasies can come true. No one wants to repeat the conditions that led to both World Wars, which will cause NATO to self-destruct.
• President Trump respects and reveres President Putin, a cautious and calculating statesman who trained as a lawyer with KGB experience on his résumé – in other words, he knows what’s going on.
• However, the wannabe president of Ukraine is a historical accident. It's like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. President Zelensky also studied law but shifted into show business, including pornography. Those videos no longer appear online. I saw one where Mr. Zelensky was playing the piano with a well-endowed appendage, not connected to his hands.

 Mr. Trump performed magically in the Oval Office, with the young NATO Secretary General looking on in awe at the master of illusions.

Under the glare of world television, Mr. Trump declared that he would impose a 100 percent tariff on Russia if Mr. Putin fails to meet his peace conditions within fifty days. Then, he added insult to injury by calling Mr. Putin perfidious, two-faced, underhanded, dodgy, unstable, shaky, and unsound. I interpreted Mr. Trump’s rant about Mr. Putin as them being cut from the same cloth. They are both geniuses, or one or the other, or both are pathologically insane. Oh yes, Mr. Trump also declared that he will allow NATO to purchase American-made weapons to sell to Ukraine, through a ‘circuitous route.’

Let’s dissect Mr. Trump’s message and the possible hidden agenda:

1. The intended tariff terror is moot. Mr. Trump could have imposed a 1,000 percent tariff on Russia. This doesn't bother Russia much. Because of the sanctions placed by the Collective West on Russia, Russia is only allowed to sell fertilizer and uranium to the United States. If the U.S. decides to set a 100 percent or 1,000 percent tariff on Russian fertilizer or uranium, American farmers will have to pay more to import fertilizer, which will drive up prices for vegetables, fruits, and wheat in supermarkets. And, heaven forbid if the tariffs exponentially increase the price of uranium. American-made weapons will cost more, thereby making it even more prohibitive for a poor country like Ukraine to purchase new weapons, even if subsidized by NATO.
2. The weapons scheduled for sale to NATO, despite a convoluted route, remain in limbo. Which weapons exactly? Are they the same as those used in the past that had little impact on the war? Or was Mr. Trump referring to long-range weapons of mass destruction that could trigger World War III, which nobody wants, especially on Mr. Trump’s watch?
3. And finally, why 50 days? Mr. Trump is giving Mr. Putin 50 days to finish the job. “Do what you must do to end the war.” Moreover, Mr. Trump is signaling that only Mr. Putin can help him contain Europe and the further expansion of NATO.

Agreed, he was not explicitly clear but ambiguously hinted at the Trump-Putin Doctrine to help mend a broken world. Did ‘they’ understand? Trump’s theatrics in the Oval Office ignited outbursts and pseudo orgasms among the neo-colonialists or Neocons in the United States and Europe. The media, aligning with the interests of European and American elites, were beside themselves. They toasted each other with champagne. In their drunkenness, they missed Mr. Trump’s underlying message. They did not grasp what was truly happening.

Wouldn’t a sane US president deliver a speech similar to the one below:

               Fellow Americans, respected people of the world,

               As the President of the United States, I vow to the American people and the world that I will not put any American city, including New York, at risk for the sake of Tel Aviv or any other city. We will not allow a nuclear crater to form in our country. I've turned down the advice of local neocons who suggested we let Israel use its nuclear arsenal against Iran. To protect the people of Israel, I've informed Iran that Israel might deploy its nuclear capabilities. I've also advised Russia, China, India, Pakistan, the entire Middle East, and the European Union.

               The United States is seriously considering severing its ties with the European Union and NATO. I urge Europe to dismember NATO and welcome Russia as Europe’s own. Russia is an integral part of the European continent.

               The United States will guarantee peace through strength, not war.

               In my administration, fear and war mongering will no longer be tolerated.

               Thank you.

This one-minute speech speaks volumes, setting the stage for the US to break free from Eurocentric chains and move toward global healing.

GILBERT DOCTOROW: TRUMP THREATENS RUSSIA AND THE RETURN OF GERMAN MILITARISM

Prof. Glenn Diesen with Prof. Gilbert Doctorow

Watch the Video Here (51 minutes, 51 seconds)

Host Prof. Glenn Diesen
Substack.com
16 July 2025

Dr. Gilbert Doctorow shares insights on Trump's threats to Russia and the 50-day deadline he set for Russia. His new book, "War Diaries. Volume 1: The Russia-Ukraine War, 2022-2023," is now available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/War-Diaries-Russia-Ukraine-2022-2023/dp/B0F9VK1WM2, and you can also find more of his thoughts on Gilbert Doctorow's Substack: https://substack.com/@gilbertdoctorow.

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What is the Side of the Story that is Not Yet Decisive? Edited by Abraham A. van Kempen

CHAS FREEMAN: THE OLD WORLD IS DYING, AND THE NEW WORLD STRUGGLES TO BE BORN

Prof. Glenn Diesen with Ambassador Chas Freeman

Watch the Video Here (45 minutes, 07 seconds)

Host Prof. Glenn Diesen
Substack.com
11 July 2025

In the late 1920s, Antonio Gramsci stated: "The old world is dying, and the new world struggles to be born - now is the time of monsters." The Western-centric world is rapidly coming to an end, but an alternative has yet to emerge.
Ambassador Freeman is a veteran diplomat who has retired after a notable career. He served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs from 1993 to 94, earning top public service awards from the Department of Defense for his efforts in establishing a NATO-centric European security framework after the Cold War and for reestablishing defense relations with China. He also represented the U.S. as Ambassador to Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War, specifically during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Moreover, he was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs at pivotal moments, including U.S. mediation for Namibian independence from South Africa and the withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola.

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JEFFREY SACHS: END OF THE WESTERN-CENTRIC WORLD AND RISE OF BRICS

Prof. Glenn Diesen with Prof. Jeffrey Sachs

Watch the Video Here (28 minutes, 22 seconds)

Host Prof. Glenn Diesen
Substack.com
16 July 2025

Prof. Jeffrey Sachs is a globally recognized economics professor, an advisor to political leaders worldwide, a bestselling author, and a prominent figure in sustainable development. He discusses the militarism associated with the waning Western dominance and the ascent of BRICS as a response to the emergence of multipolar world order.

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GUEST EDITOR | HUMANITARIAN AID FROM HELL: THE EXTERMINATION OF PALESTINIANS IS BEING DISGUISED AS HELP

Israel and America want to ‘benevolently’ put the population of Gaza into what amounts to a concentration camp.

FILE PHOTO. A charity kitchen at a camp for displaced people in Gaza City, May 21, 2025. © Majdi Fathi/Getty Images

15 Jul, 2025 19:14
HomeWorld News

By Tarik Cyril Amar, a historian from Germany working at Koç University, Istanbul, on Russia, Ukraine, and Eastern Europe, the history of World War II, the cultural Cold War, and the politics of memory

@tarikcyrilamartarikcyrilamar.substack.comtarikcyrilamar.com

The Gaza genocide is special. And not in one but two regards.

As often noted, this is the first genocide in history that is livestreamed. No previous genocide has been committed under global observation like this. Additionally, the Gaza genocide is undermining and devastating moral and legal orders – or longstanding claims to them – in an unprecedented way.

These two interesting aspects are closely linked: The world has quietly endured the Gaza tragedy for almost three years, often overlooking both formal and informal norms. Few countries, besides those under Ansar Allah or Houthis, have acted to fulfill the 1948 UN Convention's duty to "prevent and punish" genocide. Unfortunately, powerful nations haven't used force to protect Palestinian victims from Israeli aggression.

The West's small but influential part has long been hypocritical, shaped by Christianity or not. During the Gaza genocide, its obsession with justifying brutal actions as virtue under ‘values’ reached new depths. The West not only neglects Palestinian victims but also actively supports Israel. Its elites—from politics to judiciary—work to shift our sense of right and wrong, from clear legal standards to instinctive boundaries that should never be crossed.

Waging a ‘war’ involving killing or injuring over 50,000 children (as of May 2025), many deliberately targeted by drone operators and snipers, with starvation, medical deprivation, and epidemics used intentionally. In the West, this is referred to as ‘self-defense’.

Read more
Aid as ambush: The horrifying new face of Israel’s Gaza war

Indeed, we are asked—with strong insistence, to say the least—to believe that this form of mass-murderous, infanticidal ‘self-defense’ is something to be proud of, even vicariously. The mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner, for instance—famous for his suppression of any signs of resistance to Israeli genocide—has just announced that the city hall will continue flying the Israeli flag.

In this troubling situation, Western institutions seem to focus their punishments not on the perpetrators and accomplices of the Gaza genocide, whether in Israel or elsewhere, but rather on those showing support for its Palestinian victims. Protesters, respected journalists, and even a UN special rapporteur are often treated as criminals or terrorists simply for expressing opposition to the genocide, something many of us believed we all stood against yesterday. Sadly, the phrase ‘never again’ now feels replaced with ‘again, as long as the killers, who are Israelis and our friends, desire.’

This is a scenario where morality, law, and meaning have reversed so entirely that the term ‘Orwellian’ genuinely applies, helping us understand what’s happening to ‘humanitarian’ action.

According to Britannica, a humanitarian is a "person who works to improve others' lives," like fighting global hunger. Modern humanitarianism has evolved over two centuries, and scholars like Michael Barnett, in 'Empire of Humanity,’ provide more nuanced views. Critics, including Jean Baudrillard, view humanitarian efforts as limited, representing a grim emergency response when humanism is in decline, reflecting a worsening world.

During the post-Cold War 'unipolar moment,’ American arrogance often masked humanitarianism in support of Western imperial aims. For instance, in the 2003 Iraq invasion, humanitarian groups served the aggressors, invaders, and occupiers.

Humanitarianism can't support acts like massacres or concentration camps. In Gaza, both are referred to as humanitarian. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-Israeli group, plans to use food as bait for deadly traps. Palestinians blocked by Israel are lured into zones disguised as aid points.

Read more
A fully independent Palestinian state would pose a threat to Israel – Netanyahu.

Over the past month and a half, Israeli forces and Western mercenaries have tragically claimed the lives of at least 789 people and injured thousands near these deadly traps. The loss of unarmed civilians on such a scale is heartbreaking, and, according to various sources, including Israeli ones, there is clear evidence of the malicious intent behind these actions. It’s encouraging to see that 170 major humanitarian and human rights groups have come together to protest this unjust situation, condemning what appears to be a false relief effort and a serious scheme of mass harm.

And then there is the plan for the concentration camp: Israeli leaders have already driven the surviving residents of Gaza, one of the most densely populated places on Earth, into an area covering only 20% of Gaza’s devastated territory, even before the genocide.

Their actions remain heartbreaking. They've proposed a plan to US allies to herd survivors into a 'humanitarian city,' a de facto concentration camp. Palestinians face two choices: death or leaving Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz claims it is ‘voluntary’. Ironically, those responsible seem to rival Nazi atrocities and misuse of language during that dark period.

The location of this deadly ethnic-cleansing transit station?

The ruins of Rafah, once a bustling city in southern Gaza, were supposedly protected by Israel’s Western allies, but it was flattened anyway. Now, the area is designated for a concentration camp to end it all.

The scheme is outrageous—typical of Israel’s depraved modus operandi—making even critics struggle to keep up. Philippe Lazzarini of UNRWA, shut down by Israel for its starvation strategy (killing nearly 400 staff), tweeted that the ‘humanitarian city’ would be a second Nakba, creating large camps at Egypt’s border for Palestinians.

Read more
Hamas says ready for ‘complete end to the war’ – AP.

The Nakba was the Zionist ethnic cleansing, interwoven with massacres, of about 750,000 Palestinians in 1948. But Lazzarini is wrong if he thinks that the first Nakba ever ended: For Palestinian victims of Israeli violence, it only started an ongoing cycle of theft, apartheid, and often murder. A process that has now reached genocide, as many international experts acknowledge, including the prominent Oxford historian Avi Shlaim. This isn't a second Nakba, but Israel's attempt to finish what was begun the first time.

Lazzarini’s claim that the humanitarian city plan would lead to concentration camps on Egypt's border is valid within its scope. However, Gaza has long been seen as 'the world’s largest concentration camp,' as Israeli sociologist Baruch Kimmerling noted by 2003. Lazzerini’s objection — though valuable — misses that Israel’s actions are creating new suffering and worsening an already severe crisis.

But not Israel alone. The West is deeply involved, having learned from British authorities how to use concentration camps against Palestinians and other suppressive methods. Western figures and agencies now support Israeli resettlement schemes, driving the humanitarian city plan. Tony Blair’s foundation –a commercial consulting and influence-peddling company systematically working for the dark side wherever it pays well – and the prestigious and influential Boston Consulting Group have both been caught contributing to Israeli ethnic cleansing planning. Behind this is Donald Trump, the US president, who has long wanted Gaza rebuilt as a glamorous Trumpistan without Palestinians.

From the beginning of the Gaza genocide, it has been both a brutal crime and a constant attempt to redefine what is right and what is wrong so that this crime would appear necessary, justifiable, and even as a legitimate opportunity to profit.

And the West’s elites – with far too few exceptions – have joined Israel in this absolute perversion of fundamental ethics and reason, no less than in the mass murdering. If both Israel and the West are not stopped at long last, they will use the Gaza genocide to change much of the world into a hellscape where everything we have learned to despise about the Nazis will become the new normal.

COL DOUG MACGREGOR: TRUMP'S THREATS AREN'T STOPPING RUSSIA'S BOMBS

“Nonsense talks; Performance walks,” Col. MacGregor states.

Watch the Video Here (57 minutes, 20 seconds)

Host: Daniel David
Deep Dive
15 July 2025

President Donald Trump asserted that he's "on the side of humanity," aiming to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict and noting that "50 days isn't very long" for progress, implying a deadline for Russia to achieve a ceasefire or face sanctions. Although he stated he's not taking sides, he voiced disapproval of Putin and claimed to have tried to end several wars recently, although the specifics remain unclear and questionable.

Colonel Douglas MacGregor dismissed Trump's announcement as underwhelming and incoherent, labeling it a "nothing burger" after earlier excitement. He claimed Trump contradicted himself by pretending to be neutral while prompting Zelensky to attack Russia, and ultimately adopting Biden's war stance instead of diverging from it.

MacGregor claimed that Trump now "owns the war" but is losing it, and he argued that Russia and other nations no longer trust U.S. foreign policy because of dishonesty and inconsistency.

The discussion also mentioned Trump's supposed private remarks encouraging more severe strikes on Russia, although Trump later denied endorsing such measures publicly.

Overall, the criticism targeted Trump’s inconsistent messaging, excessive self-promotion, unclear communication, and inability to develop a coherent or effective plan to bring the war to an end.

Daniel David: “I'd like to share what inspired us to start Daniel Davis Deep Dive (DDDD) and why we're committed to providing our viewers with accurate and comprehensive information, sparking meaningful conversations with them.

At DDDD, we're just regular Americans trying to make sense of the world's chaos. However, it's challenging when we're bombarded with misinformation, disinformation, and sometimes a lack of information on major social media platforms. We'll share the facts with you honestly and with integrity - whether they're good, bad, or ugly.

We're unafraid and uncompromising. We're glad you're here!”

‘RUSSIA DOESN’T RESPOND TO PRESSURE’: HOW MOSCOW SEES TRUMP’S ULTIMATUM

From skepticism to strategic recalculations, Russian analysts interpret Washington’s new pressure campaign—and its limits.

By Georgiy Berezovsky
Vladikavkaz-based journalist
16 July 2025

Edited by Abraham A. van Kempen
Sr. Editor

On July 14, President Trump gave Russia 50 days to reach peace or face severe tariffs, possibly up to 100%, signaling a move to compel negotiations.

While Trump’s statement made waves internationally, Moscow's reaction may be most significant. RT presents views from Russian analysts, scholars, and insiders on how Russia interprets the American ultimatum.

Dmitry Suslov, deputy director of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies at HSE University:

Trump’s remarks hinder Ukraine’s progress and may freeze US-Russia relations. Zelensky sees no need for serious talks or the Russian ceasefire memorandum.

Europe's 'party of war’ will use Trump’s claims to promise Ukraine endless aid, worsening conflict. No truce or talks, just escalating hostilities. Kyiv may leave the Istanbul peace process unless its battlefield situation improves.

Dmitry Suslov. © Sputnik/Evgeny Odinokov

U.S.-Russia relations were already stalled, with Washington suspending dialogue, and this may now continue indefinitely. President Trump’s ultimatums, deadlines, and threats of tariffs show a lack of willingness to normalize or cooperate.

Unlike Biden, Trump’s team stays open to dialogue with Moscow despite Ukraine. But, it’s not an offer for Russia’s terms. Trump tries to pressure Moscow into compromise—likely won't happen.

His statement indicates he won't let Congress control US foreign policy. He seeks full authority over tariffs—size, timing,, and structure—and may alter or delay his deadline.

Ivan Timofeev, program director of the Valdai Club:

Trump is frustrated with Moscow’s stance on Ukraine, viewing dialogue as futile since Russia refuses to freeze the conflict on US and Kyiv's terms.

The Lindsey Graham sanctions bill is more likely to pass, authorizing up to 500% tariffs on countries importing Russian oil. It aligns Congress with the president's powers under IEEPA, adding to sanctions on Russia.

Ivan Timofeev. © Sputnik/Vladimir Trefilov

Trump would control secondary tariffs, which could range from 100% to over 500%, depending on bilateral relations. For example, India might have lower tariffs, China higher, or all countries could be treated equally. Iran sanctions show countries reducing oil purchases got exemptions for ‘good behavior’.

A coordinated pushback from the Global South is unlikely.

Trump has pressured allies and neutral countries with new tariffs since April, causing most to cave, including China's caution. Short-term, Russian commodity purchases may decline to avoid Trump’s wrath or countries demanding higher risk premiums. Despite rhetorical support for Russia, few are willing to act.

Trump’s 50-day deadline is an ultimatum Moscow will likely ignore, risking secondary tariffs or default. Russia has limited leverage but prepares a hardline approach, helped by tight markets and strong exports.

This may mark the end of backchannel diplomacy on Ukraine.

Sanctions likely increase, and military aid to Kyiv grows. Russia will maintain military pressure, with the West expecting Russia's collapse and Moscow hoping for Ukraine’s defeat and Western unrest. After three years, neither side’s hopes have been realized. Sanctions haven't weakened Russia, and the conflict appears to be a long-term situation.

The optimism in Russian markets is puzzling. Sanctions haven’t been imposed yet, despite hopes, and the risk landscape worsens. The rally seems short-lived, and those expecting quick sanctions may wait longer.

Timofey Bordachev, professor at the Higher School of Economics:

In theater or film, ‘playing a scene’ involves convincingly performing a role—conveying emotions, building a character, and progressing the plot. Donald Trump does that well. He seems to grasp a key truth: Bold moves between nuclear superpowers are dangerous because they are impossible. They risk the irreversible, and Trump wants no part of that. He understands that the diplomatic chess match will drag on with no clear resolutions. Still, the show must go on, and the audience must be entertained.

Timofey Bordachev. © Sputnik/Irina Motina

That’s why Trump replaces strategy with theatrics: shifting arms to NATO, proposing new Kyiv financing, and threatening Russia with tariffs. He creates the illusion of action to avoid appearing paralyzed. With no progress in 50 days, he’ll unveil a new plan.

None of these announcements should be considered final or irreversible, and Trump’s behavior reflects the nature of today’s international politics, not a deviation.

Maxim Suchkov, director of the Institute for International Studies at MGIMO University:

Trump’s statement gives mixed news for Moscow. The final decision was predictable with no surprises. Like often with Trump, the ‘teaser’ was more dramatic than the main act. Europe plans to continue the war, and Trump is content to let it pay the price. He is holding back from more radical measures, so dialogue with Washington remains possible.

After six months, Trump still misunderstands Russia's position and Putin's reasoning, similar to Steve Witkoff's trips to Moscow. Overall, he has gained little insight into the conflict, which is concerning because lacking a resolution or a relationship with Moscow affects crucial aspects of his domestic agenda.

Maxim Suchkov. © Sputnik/Kirill Zykov

Either he thinks the Ukraine conflict can be settled by setting a deadline and hoping for the best, or he doesn’t care. Maybe he's just acting as a global peacemaker: making noise and promising to fix everything, knowing there will be no political consequences if he fails. American voters won’t judge him on Ukraine.

It's unclear which scenario is worse, but hopes for this administration to end the conflict are misplaced. Whether premature or outdated, we’ll see in 50 days.

Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Affairs:

Trump’s remarks reveal he wants to avoid direct conflict with Russia, emphasizing it's 'Biden’s war,' not his, showcasing a cautious, compromise-driven stance.

The tariffs he threatens on Russian commodities—not 'sanctions,' as he calls them—are postponed until fall. Negotiations remain open.

The US won’t send weapons to Ukraine directly; deliveries go through Europe, paid by Europeans. To Trump, it's not confrontation but a way to encourage talks.

Fyodor Lukyanov. © Sputnik/Kristina Kormilitsyna

We can ignore the usual self-congratulation and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s flattery, as it’s part of the ritual.

Russia may see this as pressure, not a true invitation, and likely won't respond. The deteriorating military situation prompts a response, but Moscow won’t engage in dialogue. The real conversation now takes place on the battlefield.

Most likely, we’ve reached the end of the first phase of US-Russia relations under Trump—six months closing. The start and shape of the next phase remain uncertain.

Dmitry Novikov, associate professor at the Higher School of Economics:

Trump’s statement and Q&A can be boiled down to three core messages.

The goal remains: Washington seeks a Ukraine deal on terms that are acceptable to the US.

Second, Moscow’s incentive is promises of good relations (‘talking to Putin is always pleasant’) and vague future economic cooperation (‘Russia has enormous potential’).

Third, the stick is not particularly impressive. The proclamation regarding Patriot systems for Ukraine is just the latest initiative by Trump and his team to boost Kyiv’s air defense against Russian missile attacks. This seems more driven by Trump's concerns than the actual frontline situation. He has previously criticized Russia for extensive strikes into Ukraine, likely responding to distressing imagery.

Dmitry Novikov.

Regarding other weapons, no specifics were given—only the usual ‘billions of dollars in military aid’ claim.

The 100% secondary tariffs, delayed by 50 days, appear to be Trump’s primary coercive tool, viewed as his strongest threat by an economic determinist. Its implementation remains uncertain, as previous measures like price caps and import bans failed to halt Russian energy exports, which Russia has adapted to.

The message is more psychological than strategic: You have 50 days, then I’ll ‘get serious’.

Trump left a key question unanswered: how far will the US go if no progress after 50 days? If tariffs are the endgame and Washington backs off, that’s one scenario. But if tariffs lead to broader military or political escalation, that’s another.

Trump keeps things murky, relying on the idea that ‘a threat is more potent than an attack’ and counting on Moscow to imagine the worst.

Nikolai Topornin, director of the Center for European Information:

With his latest statement, Trump didn’t just leave a crack open for Russia – he threw the window wide. He made clear he expects a practical response from Moscow within the next 50 days. Nothing prevents Russia from acting on the terms previously discussed with Trump: initiating a 30-day ceasefire and engaging in talks with Kiev to draft a peace agreement.

Many of Russia’s proposals conflict with Ukraine’s position, but diplomatically, Moscow is now responsible. Meanwhile, Kiev appears to be the short-term winner of Trump’s announcement.

Nikolai Topornin. © Sputnik/Alexander Natruskin

Moscow is likely to reiterate that sanctions don’t scare Russia, as US-Russian trade is nearly zero and no billion-dollar contracts remain. Most economic ties were severed during Biden's tenure, and Washington has imposed broad sanctions on Russian businesses and financial institutions.

If no changes occur in 50 days, the US will likely continue pragmatic military aid to Ukraine, using European funds to support its defense industry.

Sergey Oznobishchev, head of the Military-Political Analysis and Research Projects Section at IMEMO RAS:

Trump needs to save face as he promised to end the conflict quickly, but Russia hasn't backed down, agreed to a ceasefire, or halted its offensive. With nothing to show for his promise, he's now under pressure to act.

He signals Moscow he expects a reciprocal move, using diplomacy and economic threats to pressure it.

Sergey Oznobishchev. © Sputnik/Alexander Natruskin

While Trump’s discussions with the Russian president are undisclosed, Russia’s main position was likely clear: they want full control over territories protected by their constitution and aren't willing to relinquish these claims. Trump’s 50-day deadline may acknowledge this, allowing Russia time to strengthen its stance before negotiations, which could be seen as a form of compromise.

Trump starts negotiations with bold offers, then backs down to find common ground. His style, inspired by business deals, involves applying pressure first, then bargaining.

These announcements, especially the pledge to send weapons, will increase criticism of Trump within Russia. However, this isn’t the harshest stance he could have taken. It’s tough but leaves room for maneuver.

Nikolai Silayev, senior research fellow at the Institute for International Studies, MGIMO University:

We’re not at a new escalation yet; Trump hasn’t approved the sanctions bill, but he’s considering implementing 100% tariffs by executive order, indicating he's delaying the legislation.

No immediate sanctions are coming; the 50-day timeline he mentioned is just the latest deadline he’s floated.

Nikolai Silayev. © Sputnik/Konstantin Mikhalchevsky

Trump seeks to avoid conflict with Russia similar to Biden's era. He opposes Ukraine's defeat and Russian ceasefires on Moscow’s terms, fearing it would seem like a US loss and his failure. He calls it "Biden’s war," but as it persists, it increasingly becomes his own.

Regarding the Patriots, Europe will pay since Trump didn’t promise new US funding. It's uncertain how many systems the US defense industry can produce and how many European countries will buy.

From Moscow’s view, this is still the US arming Ukraine, with ongoing intelligence sharing and logistical support. No Kremlin official will thank 'Grandpa Trump'—they won't see him as anything more than a vendor.

Sergey Poletaev, political commentator:

This conflict's scale means no quick breakthrough is possible by any single action—by the US, Russia, or others. Vladimir Zelensky's surrender could, but no weapon system short of nuclear arms, could change this. The only other game-changer would be direct US or NATO involvement, but they would have already stepped in if they planned to.

Trump’s tariff threats against Russia and its partners delay action for another 50 days. Classic Trump.

Sergey Poletaev.

From Russia’s perspective, we aren’t shipping to the US; instead, we are trading with partners like China and India. This move would worsen contradictions in Trump’s chaotic tariff diplomacy, which relies on economic threats. I don’t think it will work.

I don’t see how Trump thinks he can pressure India. China—maybe. Beijing already faces tariff threats, and one more won’t help, but will only worsen tensions. It may also reinforce the notion that the US sees China as vulnerable, a message that China won’t take lightly.

Konstantin Kosachev, Russian senator and foreign affairs specialist:

If this is all Trump said about Ukraine, the hype was overblown. Most of Lindsey Graham’s alarmist fantasies are just fantasies. A 500% sanctions package makes little practical sense.

Europe seems to keep paying, mistaking it for free cheese, which turns out to be a trap. The only winner is the US defense industry.

Konstantin Kosachev. © Sputnik/Ilya Pitalev

Ukraine is left fighting until the last Ukrainian—seems they chose this fate.

But 50 days is long. Much can change on the battlefield, in Washington, and in NATO capitals. Still, none of this impacts our determination—at least, that’s my view.

Alexander Dugin, political philosopher and commentator:

Trump has given Russia 50 days to fully liberate our four regions, take Kharkov, Odessa, Dnepropetrovsk, and Kiev. He then threatens to retaliate with 100% tariffs on our key oil buyers – India and China. That’s a serious threat.

Alexander Dugin. © Sputnik/Mikhail Kireev

Now we have 50 days to complete what we left unfinished over the past 25 years.

This moment reflects the Russian saying: ‘We take time to harness horses, but ride fast.’ Given the circumstances, any weapons can target anything. We have 50 days to win.

BUILDING THE BRIDGE! | A WAY TO GET TO KNOW THE OTHER AND ONE ANOTHER

Making a Difference – The Means, Methods, and Mechanism for Many to Move Mountains

Photo Credit: Abraham A. van Kempen, our home away from home on the Dead Sea

By Abraham A. van Kempen
Senior Editor
Updated 19 January 2024

Those who commit to 'healing our broken humanity' build intercultural bridges to learn to know and understand one another and others. Readers who thumb through the Building the Bridge (BTB) pages are not mindless sheep following other mindless sheep. They THINK. They want to be at the forefront of making a difference. They're in search of the bigger picture to expand their horizons. They don't need BTB or anyone else to confirm their biases.

Making a Difference – The Means, Methods, and Mechanism for Many to Move Mountains

Accurate knowledge fosters understanding, dispels prejudice, and sparks a desire to learn more about the subject. Words have an extraordinary power to bring people together, divide them, forge bonds of friendship, or provoke hostility. Modern technology offers unprecedented possibilities for good, fostering harmony and reconciliation. Yet, its misuse can cause untold harm, leading to misunderstandings, prejudices, and conflicts.

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The views expressed are solely those of the author and may or may not reflect those of the Building the Bridge Foundation