In a surprising twist that seems to be straight out of a reality TV show, former President Trump has emerged with newfound optimism regarding peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The man who famously said he could negotiate a better deal than anyone took to his Mar-a-Lago estate to let the world know he is “much more confident” about a resolution, following discussions between U.S. and Russian officials. It seems that after battling it out over golf and politics, maybe we can find a way to end this war too.
From his sunny Florida abode, Trump shared the insights that followed a U.S.-Russia diplomatic meeting in Saudi Arabia. He painted a picture where discussions didn’t exactly resemble a lockout of the last holiday party, but rather a chance for collaboration—minus Ukraine’s presence. Perhaps next time, someone should remind the Ukrainians that a seat at the table is not a guarantee; sometimes they have to bring their own chairs.
Trump claimed that Russians are itching to put an end to what he called “savage barbarianism,” a curious phrase considering the autocratic regime in Moscow. Despite this, he found the loss of life on both sides “ridiculous,” suggesting a straightforward solution: make a deal and stop the madness. In classic Trump fashion, he confidently asserted that the war wouldn’t have spiraled out of control if he had been in the driver’s seat. So, there you have it—historical hindsight from a man who loves to brag about how everything was just great while he was in charge.
President Trump said Tuesday that he is “much more confident” that a deal between Russia and Ukraine will be made after officials from the U.S. and Russia met to discuss ending the war.https://t.co/vfL4h3AfVD
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) February 19, 2025
Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined the fray in Riyadh, where both sides reportedly agreed to establish a high-level team to push peace talks forward. Sounds promising, right? Unless, of course, you remember that every diplomatic endeavor needs a little American muscle behind it. The discussions might just be another reminder that sometimes, if you’re not at the party, it’s because you weren’t invited; and Ukraine took a rain check on this one.
Yet, Trump displayed empathy for the Ukrainians, expressing disappointment over their exclusion. It seems he has a unique perspective, believing that the entire mess could have been averted by a “half-baked negotiator” years ago. This hints at a confidence that some might find unsettling; that a few witty lines and a handshake could have saved countless lives and properties. But as the political theater goes, it’s always easiest to point fingers from the sidelines while munching on popcorn.