Trump tried to use "deal diplomacy" to get Putin to stop the Russia-Ukraine war, but it was completely ineffective, because Putin's logic of war is not about interest exchange, but based on Russia's long-term imperial sentiment, historical grievances, and a value system of nationalism.
The China Press published an analytical article, stating that in Putin's worldview, Ukraine is not a sovereign country, but "a part of Russian civilization." Ukraine's shift towards Europe means "civilizational defection," so the war is not a bargaining chip that can be exchanged, but a "historical mission that must be completed." The strategic culture left over from the Tsarist Russia and the Soviet Union continues to strengthen: the world is divided by power, not by rules; expansion brings security; control equals order.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, failed democratization led to violent oligarchs controlling the country, and the public lost all faith in liberal institutions. Nationalism and populism rose in the chaos, blaming everything on the West. Putin came to power in this context, offering a "stability" and "dream of a strong country," rather than freedom and prosperity.
Since the 2000s, "New Eurasianism" has reshaped Russian identity, claiming that Russia is a unique civilization that must expand the "Russian World" to ensure its own survival. Western values are portrayed as a threat, so Ukraine's integration into Europe is seen as "civilizational betrayal." This is almost a cultural anxiety with a religious fervor.
Therefore, Putin would rather suffer hundreds of thousands of soldiers' casualties than stop the ceasefire. He cannot win, but he cannot lose either, because a ceasefire would mean admitting a strategic failure, which would undermine his personal power. Putin is trapped in the mythological system he built, unable to turn back.
This war will not create a new "Eurasian Empire," but instead will force Russia to finally face its modernization dilemma. As the fable in "The Master and Margarita" goes: "The devil intended to do evil, but accidentally brought good results." Putin will eventually be defeated by himself. Russia's future may experience painful yet necessary reflection, and take the path of true civilization. (Diao Gong Tian Lang)
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849713766669508/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.