At a historic meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, two senators gathered to discuss the latest developments in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, particularly focusing on former President Donald Trump’s role in the matter. Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, reportedly said that the war might not even have started if Trump had been in the Oval Office. Now, it seems like Putin is supposedly eager to meet with Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Some might wonder if Putin is just nostalgic for the times when Trump was at the helm, while others are intrigued by this potential diplomatic breakthrough.
Senator Lindsay Graham expressed his optimism about a resolution to the conflict being possible before Christmas, or perhaps even sooner. Certainly, he gives credit where it’s due, placing blame squarely on Putin for the war’s inception. Yet, he apparently sees Trump’s involvement as a critical component in pushing towards a peaceful end to the hostilities. It seems that Graham envisions a meeting between Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy as an important step, likening it to a Christmas miracle—a shining beacon of hope for peace on Earth, at least in Eastern Europe.
Meanwhile, Senator Tom Cotton highlighted the contrast between Trump and current President Joe Biden regarding their handling of foreign policy with Russia. Cotton believes Trump stands firm in defense of U.S. interests and those of its allies in Europe and Ukraine. He points out that Biden’s past meetings with Putin haven’t been fruitful, to put it mildly. Cotton seems to believe in Trump’s unique ability to bring about a peace settlement that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty more effectively than his predecessors attempted.
Some might find it a bit ironic that Trump’s prospective involvement in diplomatic talks comes up now, given his past interactions with world leaders. Yet here we are, contemplating the potential outcome of Trump’s re-entry into the diplomatic stage. According to Senator Graham, if Putin doesn’t come to terms, Trump would ensure severe consequences for Russia. It’s almost as if the stakes are being set high with Trump’s involvement, as if he brings along a magic wand or perhaps just his trademark tough talk.
Ultimately, this conversation underscores a recurring theme in Republican circles: a belief that strength, often exemplified by Trump, is the key to international diplomacy. Whether one agrees or not, it’s clear that the expectation is Trump himself could, and would, rectify the situation. It’s as if some believe he’s the only person capable of putting a stop to Putin’s antics. While the reality might be more complex than this notion suggests, it’s a narrative carefully crafted and continually reiterated by many within the party. It’s a plan that sounds simple enough: Trump as the diplomatic maestro who can, somehow, make everything right—perhaps through a meeting that might just rewrite the rules of international diplomacy.
