The Russians’ calculation has paid off: once again, they have managed to push Trump behind Moscow’s demands and so-called “peace plan.” The essence of it is that there will be no cease-fire, comprehensive negotiations must take place in the middle of Russian military attacks and killings, under terms dictated entirely by the Kremlin. If Zelensky refuses, he will be blamed.
That much is clear from Trump’s statements after the Alaska meeting. Beforehand, he had issued threats and hinted at sanctions; after the meeting, however, he sat down at Putin’s feet and purred. He abandoned the demand for a cease-fire and instead began speaking of a “comprehensive peace agreement”, the Russian plan, which includes Ukraine’s disarmament and the removal of its government.
In practice, Putin is demanding unconditional surrender: the dismantling of Ukraine’s army, the installation of a puppet government, the seizure of Ukrainian territory, and the prohibition of Ukraine’s right to decide its own future including membership in the European Union or NATO. Trump has embraced all of this, returning to the “peace plan” that would mean forcing Russian demands upon Ukraine.
This carries the danger of world war. Putin sees the near-destruction of Ukraine only as the first step, with further military expansion to follow. Trump’s support means America is now opening the door to wars of conquest, the redrawing of borders, and the annihilation of national sovereignty. It is no longer even in question that he supports dictators, he is one himself.
What was discussed during their hours-long talks, and what was agreed, remains completely secret. Nothing was disclosed to the public, even though Americans have the right to know what kind of backroom “peace” or agreement their president may have struck with an enemy power. How deeply Trump is under the Kremlin’s sway is revealed in the contemptuous way he treats Zelensky.
IT IS A CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS WHEN A PRESIDENT SECRETLY STRIKES DEALS WITH AN ENEMY POWER WITHOUT INFORMING THE PUBLIC OR CONGRESS.
After the most recent mocking encounter, Zelensky is once again traveling to the White House to meet Trump, who has already broken every commitment from before the Alaska meeting. Trump’s aim is clearly to pressure him: accept Russia’s demands, surrender, or else be branded the obstacle to peace. For Trump, “peace” once again means Russian domination.
This endangers not only Europe but also America, and indeed, the entire world. Just weeks ago, Trump imposed steep tariffs on India for buying Russian gas; now, he may well reward them for the very same behavior. America today has a president who is extraordinarily malleable, held in the grip of the Russians, and represents a direct national security risk.
The only fortunate fact is that Zelensky will not yield. He knows precisely what compliance with Russian demands would mean: Ukraine’s destruction, followed by Russian rule and repression. Europe supports him as one, recognizing that Ukraine’s resistance is the guarantee of Europe’s own freedom and peace. Everyone, that is, except Orbán, but Orbán is not Europe.
The situation is worse than it was a week ago. Negotiations have slipped back into the same channel as after Trump’s election. The real question is what leverage the Russians hold over him what threats keep him under their control. The answer will show in how he reacts if Zelensky says no to the “Russian peace”: will Trump cut off U.S. military aid?
And this is happening precisely at a moment when the Russians are advancing on the battlefield, when Ukraine’s military support and reinforcement are needed more than ever. The only path to peace is through strength, showing Putin there is no alternative but withdrawal and genuine peace. As long as Trump is president, there is no chance of that.
Europe must now maneuver carefully: it cannot allow the two dictators to stand fully side by side, with Trump openly and militarily joining Russia. At the same time, Europe must prevent Ukraine from being forced under Russian rule. Urgent strategic development and independence are essential. Europe can no longer entrust its fate to America, it must pursue its own policy.
This is another historic turning point: Europe is now learning that under Trump, America is not a reliable ally. Trump is in the enemy’s grip, directed by an enemy power. The entire free world is in danger, and most of all, America. Putin has moved from the presidential limousine into the White House itself: into Trump’s soul and mind. Putin is the one directing him.
America today is no freer than Hungary, where Orbán represents the same Putinist dictator because he too is under Russian power, just like Trump. Just as Moscow seeks to dictate Hungarian domestic politics, it seeks the same in America. The United States must defend its freedom against a president in the hands of Russia.
