Source: Washington Post
by George F Will
“Donald Trump has announced himself ‘disappointed.’ He had such high hopes for Vladimir Putin. Putin’s response to Trump’s 50-day ultimatum — to agree to ‘a deal’ by Sept. 3 or face severe economic consequences — was intensified attacks on Ukraine population centers. Trump’s subsequent 10-day ultimatum, expiring Friday, seems to have been equally unavailing. Putin aims to get not to negotiations but to Kyiv, because only extinguishing Ukraine’s nationhood can redeem his epochal blunder. Although Putin has been certified a ‘genius’ (by Trump; Putin has not reciprocated), not since Adolf Hitler invaded the Soviet Union 84 summers ago has a military undertaking been as comprehensively counterproductive for its initiator as Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.” (08/06/25)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/08/06/trump-putin-russia-ukraine/