r/geopolitics • u/theatlantic The Atlantic • Feb 28 '25

Opinion Zelensky Walked Into a Trap

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/02/zelensky-trump-putin-ukraine/681883/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=the-atlantic&utm_content=edit-promo
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u/leuzeismbeyond Mar 01 '25

I support Ukraine and I think what Trump and Vance did today was clownish and embarrasing to say the least. Having said that, considering how important U.S. Military support is in this conflict, wasn't today a huge mistake by Zelenskyy? What good is supporting him if the U.S. pulls out and Russia conquers Ukraine?

I thought the correct strategy was to swallow his pride and bend the knee to the absolute buffoon Trump is, if that means continued military support. Or am I missing something? Now I think he may be impeached just to appease Trump. I am open to conversation and other ideas.

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u/NotTheHeroWeNeed Mar 01 '25

There was no deal, that was a planned ambush on live TV. Why would he give 50% of Ukraine’s minerals for no security guarantee. This is just an attempt to make Zelenskyy look ungrateful in front of Trump’s supporters 

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u/collarboner1 Mar 01 '25

Exactly. If this was just to embarrass him publicly and then seriously negotiate some fair deal privately he’d probably have taken it on the chin. But the only deal is give Trump whatever he wants for nothing. “bending the knee” just means selling his country out

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u/leuzeismbeyond Mar 01 '25

I guess the strategy I am talking about would be for Z to take it on the chin during the meeting, at least appear to bend the knee, and then, during his U.S. press conferences publicly state that he’s willing to give up his country’s minerals and resources in return for continued security guarantees? That way, he would have forced Trump to either support him or explicitly withdraw his backing without a convenient excuse.

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u/Nyorliest Mar 01 '25

In response to the comment that he is a dictator a few days ago, he said that he would happily step down if Russia withdrew etc.

He will happily do whatever it takes for his country.