PRESIDENT Donald Trump has managed to wrong-foot Vladimir Putin using his elusive unpredictability, says a former foreign policy advisor.
The Republican powerhouse has only been back in power for a few days but he has already placed Vlad under serious pressure to agree to a humiliating peace deal to end the Ukraine war.
AFPDonald Trump has issued Putin with an ultimatum, threatening severe economic sanctions if he does not sign a peace deal[/caption]
Vladimir Putin has been pushed into a corner through Trump’s elusive unpredictability
Ukrinform/PolarisUkrainian soldiers fire a howitzer at Russian troop positions in the Zaporizhzhia region earlier this month[/caption]
The newly-elected president threw the gauntlet directly at Vlad’s feet just days into his reign as he threatened the despot with a sling of damaging sanctions if he refuses to negotiate with Ukraine.
The Republican stalwart said he isn’t afraid of crippling Russia with financial ruin as he branded Putin’s war “ridiculous”.
Former advisor on UK affairs to the US Congress Lee Cohen told The Sun Trump has a number of key traits which has helped him stand toe-to-toe with Russia’s feared despot.
Cohen feels Don’s background as a business mogul and a successful entrepreneur makes him stand out from other typical politicians.
His knowledge of people from various backgrounds helps him use unconventional tactics to cut through the usual political bravado and keep the upper hand over his rivals.
Speaking on Trump’s unique character, Cohen said: “He’s very independent minded, and he’s had a track record of success in making deals.
“What’s unique is that because he comes from a business background and a deal making background this is a departure from where most world leaders come from.”
“So there’s the hint of unpredictability, but it’s backed up by his peaceful strength approach,” he added.
This knowledge makes him “extremely well qualified to make bold statements” such as his social media tirade against Putin this week.
Trump hit the tyrant with a publicly humiliating social media ultimatum on Wednesday.
In a post on Truth Social, he said: “I’m going to do Russia, whose economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big favour.
“Settle now, and stop this ridiculous war.”
Trump also threatened to put high levels of taxes, tariffs and sanctions on anything sold by Russia to the US.
The strongly worded message ended with Trump saying: “We can do it the easy way, or the hard way – and the easy way is always better.”
His rhetoric towards Russia marked some of his strongest-ever public criticism of Putin – a man he used to be largely civil with.
This change comes across as “somewhat unpredictable” and leaves his new-found adversary trapped into a corner.
TRUMP’S AGGRESSIVE APPROACH
The Republican has already laid out his own personal war plan he believes would help end the war and keep both parties satisfied.
He says a demilitarised zone could be drawn down the front line to allow Russia to keep their stolen land but stop any further advances.
In return Kyiv would agree not to join Nato for 20 years.
The US would then also continue to arm Ukraine to the teeth to prevent Putin from invading again during those two decades.
Putin and Russia are yet to respond to Trump’s ceasefire hopes since he became president with the Kremlin keeping their cards close to their chest.
He’s all about boldness, strength, action, and keeping his promises
Lee Cohen
This has appeared to leave Trump resorting to much more bullish means to get a response from Russia.
His Truth Social tirade was “very bold and very aggressive”, Cohen said.
It shows another strength of Trumps in how the Republican can undertake a “strategic pivot” whenever he needs to.
He is capable of going from the typical diplomacy route to a state of pure deterrence to strike fear and doubt in those pitted against him.
This expertly showcases his ability to “adapt and confront challenges head on”.
AFPDonald Trump has made stark threats to Russia in recent days to try and draw Putin towards the negotiating table[/caption]
Peter JordanMuch of Ukraine has been blitzed in the conflict with the US fighting to find a resolution[/caption]
“And that’s what he’s all about. He’s all about boldness, strength, action, and keeping his promises,” Cohen added.
“Trump has shifted from a previously cordial relationship with Putin to a more aggressive stance.
“Demonstrating his strategic acumen in international affairs, and of course sending the message that he means business.
“Trump’s ultimatum to Putin shows he’s not afraid to leverage economic and military pressure to ensure peace.
“Thereby positioning himself as a primordial leader, a leading global leader, a commander in chief if you will, who can handle adversaries effectively.
“This isn’t just talk. It’s action that Russia and Putin understand.”
FRIENDLY FIRE
Cohen also noted how Trump has mastered the art of creating friendships with political figures for his own gain.
He noted Giorgia Meloni and Javier Milei – both powerful world leaders in their own right – have become fans of Trump and supported him wholeheartedly.
The Republican has even managed to maintain his own personal relationship with Putin in the past.
During his first term the two are said to have called as presidential pals with Trump even proudly boasting about how if he remained in charge the Ukraine war would have never kicked off.
Cohen said these interactions and overall respect the Don receives only helps him when he approaches the negotiating table.
“Trump’s great skill is the art of the deal and in negotiations and he prides himself on having effective relationships,” Cohen added.
“He maintains influential relationships that can be leveraged to isolate or pressure figures like Putin.”
Another key factor which Cohen feels could help Trump out is his stark difference compared to former leader Joe Biden.
He said about the changing of the guard: “I think it naturally puts Russia and any adversaries that seek to defy the West and defy America on the back foot now.
“President Trump baptised Biden, Sleepy Joe and that was not for nothing, because Biden really presented no threat at all in the fabric of global politics.”
He maintains influential relationships that can be leveraged to isolate or pressure figures like Putin
Lee Cohen
Cohen also expects Trump to be directly involved in the negotiations.
The Republican has tasked longtime war hero pal Keith Kellogg as Special Envoy to Russia and Ukraine.
Decorated war veteran Kellogg, 80, is hoping to finally stop Vladimir Putin in his tracks and bring an end to the war but some feel his hiring is another Trump tactic.
Former White House national-security adviser under Trump, John Bolton, even said he once overheard Don say he likes Kellogg because he “never offers his opinion unless I ask for it”.
Russia is also yet to express any interest in engaging with the 80-year-old by himself.
Instead they feel Kellogg’s role as special envoy is simply a strategic first move in peace talks that Trump will try to control himself, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Cohen tends to agree with these beliefs as he feels Trump is seeking success for not only his personal legacy but also to help him appear as a global powerhouse.
He said: “He certainly expressed his interest and willingness to end this war quickly, and I think he will be involved [with negotiations], and I don’t think he’ll simply let this evaporate.
“Let’s not forget this isn’t just about Ukraine. It’s about global stability and Trump is showing that he’s a leader who can bring peace, not just for one country but for the entire world.
“By resolving this conflict he’s preventing a broader war and economic fallout that affects everyone.”
Ex-lieutenant general Keith Kellogg with Trump back in 2017 during his first term in office
AFPThe world is still waiting with bated breath to see how the Russian despot responds[/caption]
Fighting in Ukraine is ongoing despite officials battling to find a ceasefire dealReuters Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
