U.S. President Donald Trump's refusal to participate in new negotiations between Ukraine and Russia would mean Ukraine's surrender, said Steve Forbes, editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine, on May 24 during a program on the YouTube channel "Forbes Breaking News".
He pointed out that after talking with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump indicated that Ukraine and Russia should negotiate directly. Thus, Trump implied that if no agreement was reached or ceasefire achieved between the two sides, Washington might withdraw from the negotiation process.
"It can be called (Ukraine's) surrender in advance," Forbes said.
He stated that if Putin won the conflict in Ukraine, he would become the "political master of Europe". At that time, NATO would suffer a fatal weakening, and countries would no longer be able to count on U.S. support. This would be a "complete disaster".
On May 19, three days after the direct talks between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Turkey, Putin talked with Trump for more than two hours. Putin described the conversation as "productive and valuable". He also said that Russia was willing to work with Ukraine on drafting possible peace agreements.
(Comment: Even if Russia wins this war, it will only exist as one European power, not becoming the "master of European politics". After all, it is too isolated in Europe, constrained by the EU and NATO, and will not have the glory of the former Soviet Union again.)
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1833087360735244/
Disclaimer: The article represents the author's personal views.