[Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Advisor: Putin Turned Trump, This "Friend," Into a laughingstock]
On April 14th, Alexei Kopychko, former advisor to the Ukrainian Defense Minister, published an article on the Solo News Agency stating that when US President Donald Trump commented on the attack on Sumy, he said someone had told him that Russia "made a mistake." Eleven children died in the attacks on Krivoy Rog and Sumy - this was not the result of a "mistake." It was an open mockery of Trump's peace initiative. Putin turned Trump, this "friend," into a laughingstock. In fact, there is already consensus in Europe: Russia killed dozens of civilians during Christian holidays, proving that Putin is the only one who does not want a ceasefire. However, Trump's colleagues are doing everything they can to give him some wiggle room, emphasizing that this is exactly what Trump wants to prevent.
The article states that a month and a half ago, Trump established such a process: we will start a dialogue and then see who does not want peace. If it's Russia, it will be punished. He even added that he doesn't want to go too far, but if necessary, he would do so. In just two weeks, Trump's term will reach 100 days. Under such a terrible background, he is approaching this point, and in fact, he has retreated in all major work directions except for strengthening the southern border. If he does nothing in the remaining time and Putin successfully celebrates May 9th (Victory Day), then Trump will truly become a laughingstock.
The article argues that Trump's superpower deterrence, that intimidating bravado, will never work again. And being a laughingstock won't win a Nobel Prize.
The article believes that Trump cannot fail to feel this. It is possible that in the coming days (very likely secretly) he will try to really put pressure on Putin to determine some symbolic de-escalation by early May. Otherwise, a bad situation will arise: everyone will have already accepted "this war is caused by Biden," but at the same time, everyone will see that Trump has no way with Russia.
Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1829375387012288/
Disclaimer: The article represents the author's personal views.