I am embarrassed by Donald Trump.
Yes, I disagree with lots that Trump as president does and preaches, yes, I find some of what he wants outlandish, hasty, cruel, self-serving. Yes, I think he could do much of what he says he wants to do and remain within the law.
But blaming Ukraine for a Russian invasion after 100,000 troops massed on its borders to take over that country, not just Russian-speaking border areas, in an effort at recreating a Russian empire is embarrassing. It is shamefully wrong in fact and in spirit.
Moreover, kowtowing to Russian leader Vladimir Putin in general, ignoring inclusion of Ukrainians and Europeans in talks aimed at settling the worst continental conflict since World War II is beyond disheartening and, in my mind, foolish toward even the ends that he says he wants to pursue.
Turning history inside-out to come up with a justification for Big Powers, as Trump seems himself and Putin, to carve up Ukraine without their consent simply reflects an egoistic, dictatorial personality that is resistant to facts. Trump is acting more an advocate for Russian interests than for Ukrainian, European, American or democratic outcomes. Ukraine didn’t launch this attack, pursue civilian deaths and war crimes, Russia did. And no matter what the settlement will look like, blaming Ukraine and making Russia a victim is simply embarrassing.
I have kept a Zoom conversation going for two years with a friend in Western Ukraine, someone who just wants to live a life, work, pay for groceries even as bombs fall, and young men are whisked off the street to go to war. Our talks — when electricity and internet are working — range from war effects to culture and everyday problems. I’ve learned how this couple lies awake, distinguishing the sounds of drones from missiles, how they deal with a child who too often spends the school day hiding during air alerts, how they feel trapped by the constant need for more war recruits. I also hear a story of resilience and hope despite all of it.
Trump is the center of conversation in Western Ukraine too, but not in any good way. Trump may be denigrating Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, but it is he who is being depicted in ways that do not reflect friendship and unity Americans displayed when this war began — with Russian tanks crossing borders.
Leaving Ukraine and Europe out won’t work here anymore than imposing settlement terms on the Middle East, the China-Taiwan issues, reunification in Korea or anywhere else. It’s a basic given that the participants must buy into a solution. In Ukraine, any giveaway along the lines of Trump’s announced, pre-negotiation concessions is a guarantee only for a delay until Russia strikes again. It’s obvious that truth matters as much as military realism.
We’re watching a U.S. president stacking the deck to hear only what he wants to hear, to avoid questioning or criticism, to demand adoration and international tribute. But Trump does not earn the respect of our allies, and he is cozying up to our foes.
Trump is embarrassing us.
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