Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • Israel-Iran
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • NATO
    • China
    • Syria
  • Research
    • Briefs
    • Explainers
    • Reports
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / Ukraine-Russia / Trump’s flattery and bullying of Putin have been equally ineffective—and it’s obvious why
Ukraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

May 27, 2025

Trump’s flattery and bullying of Putin have been equally ineffective—and it’s obvious why

By Rajan Menon

Three-plus years into the war in Ukraine, much remains uncertain, including when the bloodshed will cease and on what terms. But we can be sure about one thing: although no one took seriously Donald Trump’s boast that he would end the war within 24 hours—perhaps not even Trump himself—it’s now evident that his efforts to stitch together a political settlement have failed. Last weekend’s Russian drone and missile strikes against Ukraine, reportedly among the largest since the full-scale invasion began, show us that the conflict isn’t likely to come to a sudden end.

That’s because Vladimir Putin remains committed to his goal of conquering Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson provinces. So far, he controls virtually all of the first and most of the other three. A deal that gives him what he has now plus a guarantee that Ukraine will remain outside NATO won’t satisfy him. He has said repeatedly that he wants all four of these provinces and a neutral Ukraine, with caps on the number of soldiers and major armaments it can deploy.

Trump’s mistake has been to assume that his self-proclaimed deal-making genius, supposed rapport with Putin and massive leverage over Volodymyr Zelenskyy (the U.S. has provided Ukraine with more weaponry than the other allies combined, though less total aid when humanitarian and other support is included) would together yield a diplomatic success, perhaps one that would even land him a Nobel peace prize.

But with Russia targeting Ukraine, including Kyiv, with 367 drones and missiles over the past few days, this isn’t merely a display of disdain by Putin for any political settlement that falls short of his goals, and a demonstration that he is committed to continuing the fight until he achieves his objectives. It also makes Trump seem weak.

Read at Guardian

Author

Photo of Rajan Menon

Rajan
Menon

Former Non-Resident Senior Fellow

Defense Priorities

More on Eurasia

op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Even with new sanctions, Russia still has the advantage

By Daniel Davis

July 30, 2025

op-edUkraine, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine‑Russia

Putin’s policy in Ukraine: Strategic patience

By Daniel DePetris

July 28, 2025

op-edRussia, Europe and Eurasia, Ukraine, Ukraine‑Russia

Trump’s tough talk won’t end war in Ukraine

By Daniel DePetris

July 26, 2025

ExplainerNATO, China, Russia

Keep NATO focused on Europe, not China

By Thomas P. Cavanna

July 24, 2025

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

How will Putin react to Trump’s Ukraine pivot? Newsweek contributors debate

Featuring Daniel DePetris

July 16, 2025

op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

How Trump’s 50-day deadline threat against Putin will backfire

By Jennifer Kavanagh

July 15, 2025

Events on Ukraine-Russia

See All Events
virtualUkraine‑Russia, Air power, Diplomacy, Drones, Europe and Eurasia, Land power, Military analysis, Russia, Ukraine

Past Virtual Event: Ukraine’s critical choice: Pursue peace or fight on

April 16, 2025
virtualUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Past Virtual Event: Trump and Ukraine: Prolonging or ending the war

December 13, 2024
virtualNATO, Alliances, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine, Ukraine‑Russia

Past Virtual Event: A ‘bridge’ to NATO or false hope for Ukraine?

July 12, 2024

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

  • About
  • For Media
  • Jobs
  • Donate
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact
© 2025 Defense Priorities All Right Reserved