In the latest twist in the never-ending saga of international diplomacy, everyone’s favorite phone call aficionado, President Trump, has apparently been working overtime on his geo-political Rolodex. After a chat on the phone with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, Trump confirmed that he’s also prepared to dial up Russia’s President Putin. Who knew diplomacy was just a phone call away? While professing to have a “very good dialogue” with Putin, Trump admitted that the peace deal he assumed would be easy-peasy is turning out to be a tad more challenging. Turns out, solving international conflicts isn’t as simple as closing a real estate deal at Mar-a-Lago.

Meanwhile, President Trump is on a mission to convince European allies to stop funding Russia’s war efforts by purchasing Russian oil. It seems Europe is playing a major role in this geopolitical drama by pouring approximately a billion dollars into Russian coffers. And as if international relations weren’t complicated enough, let’s not forget that Putin has been getting cozy with major players like China’s President Xi and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. It’s like a rogue’s gallery reunion, with a parade of authoritarian leaders bonding over shared interests that definitely don’t align with those of the Western world.

There seems to be a good old-fashioned word of caution from the seasoned voices of retired generals ringing in the corridors of power. It appears someone forgot to tell President Trump that a “positive discussion” with Putin could be on a par with a cat having a “positive relationship” with the mouse. The promises from Russia’s head honcho seem as fleeting as a New Year’s resolution. There’s talk of cease-fires and peace processes, but these are apparently about as real as unicorns and fairy tales. Despite those seemingly encouraging words, the promise of a trilateral meeting with Zelenskyy, Putin, and Trump is akin to waiting for snow in July.

Here’s where things get even more thrilling. It’s time for the United States and European allies to take off the diplomatic gloves. They’re ready to slap sanctions on those still indulging in Russian oil. And surprise, surprise, it’s not just the usual suspects like China or India. Even NATO allies such as Turkey are partaking, which undoubtedly leads to awkward glances at alliance meetings. The apparent solution floating in political circles involves sanctions and sometimes more sanctions, targeting everyone from major importers to incidental buyers.

Amidst all this diplomatic cacophony, there’s also a subtle rebranding effort in play. The United States is tiptoeing back into its historical roots by re-christening the Department of Defense to the Department of War. This move, while stirring up a bit of discussion, is less about the aesthetics of name changes and more about a reminder of what the department should stand for. It’s a nostalgic nod to the past, harkening back to pre-World War II days when military might was showcased with a bit less veneer of diplomacy. The proposed shift, although seemingly symbolic, underscores a hardening stance amidst whispers of an ever-looming confrontation on the global stage.