Putin’s Three Years of Humiliation
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US Clashes With Allies Over Ukraine
Above: Members of the United Nations Security Council raise their hands to vote during a United Nations Security Council meeting on the maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine at UN Headquarters on Feb. 24, 2025 in New York City. Image copyright: Liao Pan/Contributor/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Over the twists and turns of Russia's three-year invasion of Ukraine, none have been as shocking as Trump's total capitulation to Putin. His desire to end the war has included throwing Ukraine and US allies under the bus while caving into every Russian demand, even prior to negotiations.
Pro-Trump narrative
Ukraine under Zelenskyy has become a paradox: a country fighting for its sovereignty while its rulers erode its democracy. Zelenskyy and his clan have gotten rich and tightened their grip on power as a result of the war — they don't want the gravy train to stop flowing. Only Trump can save Ukraine from itself and bring an end to the war.
Pro-Russia narrative
While the wording of the UN Security Council is not perfect, it's a constructive and forward-thinking approach that points to a genuine desire to resolve the war. Russia welcomes this from the US but reminds it to stay watchful of the warmongers in Europe and Ukraine that will seek to subvert the negotiation process.