Trump Whispering and Ukraine

Look at what he is actually saying, not what you hope he is saying

Hi all,

Ive been rather bemused by the ongoing discussion about Donald Trump and his policy towards Ukraine as its developed since his election victory just over a month ago. There has been a huge amount of (from my view) overoptimism about what his policy might be towards Ukraine. Its based on many supposed implied stances—from what tie he wore to a meeting (silly season indeed), to which people he has appointed to specific posts.

Whispers, Whispers

Look, I understand the need that some people have to be hopeful—particularly coming from that odd subset of character who has been both very pro-Trump and pro-Ukraine. However, I also think that this optimism needs a pretty heavy reality check. I’ve always thought we should play Trump the compliment of looking at what he actually says, and assume that these statements reflect a good deal of his actual thinking. In July, if you want to look back, I put together this piece about what his “actual” plan was for Ukraine based on his statements

This is Donald Trump's Actual "Peace" Plan for Ukraine

Btw, things have really not changed that much since then. Because if you look at what Trump is saying now, its mostly a recitation of what he was saying before the election and gives no real reason for hope that he will be more supportive now than he would have been before. Indeed, in the last few days he has made a number of verbal and written interjections on Ukraine that I think are very revealing—and which actually are far more ominous than at least some of the reactions to them. They deserve some real examination.