Now we know what it looks like when Russia says no to America.
Donald Trump wanted a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. He threatened Russia with what would happen if they did not agree. “I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire,” he wrote on 7 March. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted the ball was on Russia’s side of the court. “If they say no,” he said, “then we’ll unfortunately know what the impediment is to peace here.”
Well, Russia did say no. It’s not been said out loud in the wake of yesterday’s hours-long phone call between Vladimir Putin and Trump, but that is the inescapable conclusion.
The one meaningful proposal is a ceasefire on energy and infrastructure targets, but that is far below the promise of a full ceasefire which Ukraine agreed to on 11 March. Trump wanted something. He did not get it.
It’s worth casting our minds back to what happened when Ukraine refused to do as it was told by the US administration. On 28 February, Volodymyr Zelensky mildly disagreed with Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the White House. His reward was to be bullied, thrown out and have American support withdrawn.
When Putin rejects Trump’s plans, precisely the opposite happens. The White House readout of the call insisted that “a future with an improved bilateral relationship between the United States and Russia has huge upside”. Far from punishing Russia, it raised the possibility of “enormous economic deals”. The Kremlin’s account said that Trump expressed support for ice hockey games in each other’s countries – basically reintroducing normal sporting relations.
What does this teach us? That Trump will ultimately always side with Putin. Who knows why that’s the case. Perhaps the Russian leader has kompromat on him, an idea which is no sillier than any other explanation. Perhaps they simply get on personally. Or perhaps they recognise that they are engaged in a shared ideological project to dismantle liberal democracy and replace it with global governments of a fascist character.
That, to me, is the most obvious answer, but you can take your pick really. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter. Only the dynamics matter. Trump will side with Putin.
Today, that leaves us with a mutilated ceasefire proposal restricted to energy infrastructure. What a surprise. This is one of Ukraine’s most effective means of attack. Sure, Russia has tried to freeze Ukraine through winter by destroying energy generation and gas production facilities. But Ukraine’s long-range drone attacks on oil refineries have been powerfully effective. Putin has now found a way to neutralise them. If Zelensky complains, he will presumably be treated to the much more brutal response Trump reserves for his side of the dispute.
According to the White House, we’re now apparently going to see the start of “technical negotiations” on the next stages of the ceasefire. Trump has previously said that he wants to discuss “land” and “dividing up certain assets” – none of which would involve Ukrainian participation. The Kremlin talked about establishing US and Russian expert groups – again, with no mention of Ukrainian participation. We are basically watching the US decide which bits of Ukraine’s territory and infrastructure it is going to hand to Russia.
There will be no peace here. We should be clear about that. Peace was never on offer and we are never going to get it – ceasefire or no ceasefire. Russia’s demands and Ukraine’s demands are incompatible. Ukraine’s aim is to exist. Russia’s aim is the eradication of Ukraine. You can’t negotiate your way through that impasse. You can only defeat the aggressor state, or, failing that, wait for its leader to die and hope that the next one is better.
The readouts from yesterday’s phone call make it clear that this situation still stands. Russia is demanding an end to Ukrainian mobilisation, the complete cessation of foreign military assistance and intelligence provision and the “unconditional necessity to remove the initial causes for the crisis” – code for Ukrainian self-determination.
In other words, Putin demands that Ukraine be left defenceless. Stripped first of the Crimea and other territories Russia has seized, barred from defending itself and deprived of the means to do so, it will simply be wiped from the face of the earth.
When you put aside all the noise of the last two weeks, nothing has actually changed. Putin wants to destroy Ukraine. If he succeeds, he will continue to expand Russia’s sphere of influence across Eastern Europe. Trump cannot stand up to him. He is either consciously on his side or so close to it that the two positions are indistinguishable.
Europe therefore faces Russia alone. Any day now, Trump could present Zelensky with a fait accompli deal which it simply cannot accept, because it is so obviously Putin’s initial plan for its dismemberment. If Ukraine were to reject that deal, we could expect Trump to remove US support. This potentially includes the cessation of equipment supplies, intelligence assistance, satellite communication and even European defence supplies bought for donation.
Europe’s task is simple. It is to make sure Ukraine can continue to fight even if the US withdraws all its support. At the moment Europe does not have the capacity to do this in full. It can simply help Ukraine cause Russia maximum pain for every inch of land which it takes. But we can at least use this time efficiently and clear-sightedly.
We can prepare as quickly as possible for when the day is upon us. We can maximise our effort to replace the US even if we cannot immediately accomplish it.
Trump’s theatrics and phone calls change nothing. He is Putin’s ally, not ours. What comes next will be up to Europe, not America.
Trump is KGB’s agent Kraznov.
Meaning, Trump works for Putin.
No surprise
Putin is the one who put your leaders in office though?!? Who else would buy Russian gas while giving aid to Ukraine unless it was guided by Putin himself.
The issue is not that Europe is facing Russia alone – that has been clear for a while now.
The real issue is that the US allies with Russia against Europe, or supports – directly or indirectly – Russia’s interests over Europe’s, for which there are quite a few signs.
The new challenge is a hostile USA, see also the economic (trade) war that it has initiated, in *addition* to a hostile Russia.
Europe has many allies and is not alone, but we shouldn’t kid ourselves – when push comes to shove, it’s up to us to protect our interests. We have to become so strong that we don’t have to fear anyone.
Strong against weak, weak against strong – Trump’s USA
And americans are suprised europeans start to despise them.
Utterly pathetic
I’ve been living in this reality since he was elected. So it’s actually calming to have everyone else agree finally, I’d started to think I was a raging conspiracy theorist.
All the cold war presidents rolling in their graves
It’s time we Europeans got serious about killing Russians.
We give Ukraine everything, absolutely everything. We empty the domestic stockpiles. They can be replaced in time, the military industrial complex will be only too happy to do so. No restrictions on targets other then to avoid mass civilian casualties.
We also need to seriously consider putting boots on the ground. Troops to secure Western Ukraine, major cities and the Belarus border, freeing up Ukrainian units for the frontline.
We pack Ukraine, Poland and the Baltics with every air defense asset we have. Nothing gets through. Nothing.
We escalate, escalate hard.
The reality is Russia has fuck all professional army left. It’s conscripts and drunk officers all the way down. Their armour is next to non existent. Their air assets can and should be destroyed on the ground, Russia’s own air defenses are stretched thin. The Black Sea fleet is currently a non factor, a few well placed anti ship missiles can settle the matter for good.
Now is the time to strike.
When cruise missiles are raining down on Moscow and St. Petersburg watch how fast Putin comes running to the negotiation table. He can either try to hold on to Eastern Ukraine or watch the Motherland get fucked. He doesn’t have the manpower to protect both.
And the thing is the Ukrainians are already planning to do just this. They are already creating domestic long range strategic weapons. We are talking not just UAVs but actual cruise missiles and balstic missiles.
We can just accelerate the timeframe by about a year.
America is a russian vassal state. America is a failed state. The president of America is a russian sock puppet.
Fantastic article.
Russia has a smaller economic output than Germany, France, Italy, The UK. If any of those countries had to go full tilt to help Ukraine VS Russia, Russia would be fucked. The problem is most citizens in the EU would resent having taxes increased or a program cut in order to better fight Russia. Any democracy would have friction in the population for change in the economic status quo. Too many people are just hoping the problem will just go away on its own.
If Europe is alone vs Russia it means Europe gets to tell trump to fuck off when he tries to carve up Ukraine. Europe needs to assert itself more on the world stage and America’s fall must mean a European rise.
We need federal EU. One army, one foreign policy! The rest should be left at country level!
if US is backpaddeling to back its allies, its no problem to send in our army in to Ukraine. why wait? at least give air support.
Let uga booga caveman trump burn himself on his bonfire. We can solve this fast and good.
Why is Europe still not useing frozen Russian assets? Bunch of wankers at the top.
But isn’t Putin just going to start throwing nukes? It’s now or never, it just gets worse if he waits. Who would stop him
Does he need to rename the US “Novaya Rossiya” for Europe to realize?
That’s fine. Just put Europe’s defence before f*cking fishing rights and we can come together to arm ourselves.
Incorrect. I can assure you, Canada will also answer the call, if it comes again.
If the US totally abandons Ukraine, then Europe and Ukraine can still kick Russia’s ass. But if the US becomes Russia’s ally, then we’ll have a serious war on our hands
What I’m really shocked is just Americans sitting there doing nothing as their government codes up to Russia and actively attacks other countries.
The US could threaten war with European or Canadian nations and the most an American citizen would do is say they’re so embarrassed.
I’m so tired of them completely.
Good.
China better future prospect anyways… No reason for Europe to be allied with a failed state
They are effing around and are about to find out!
I seriously think, Europe with its production capacity and its 500 million people market, is somewhat of a half-awake giant. We‘ve sort of accepted the US hegemony in our sphere because it was convenient, and easier. What happens if Europe puts together massive infrastructure investments ultimately remains to be seen, but if we can awaken the old continent from its apathy, we will be fine. The US, that’s picking a lot of fights, that they can most definitely not afford, is a different story!
Article: Europe faces Russia alone.
Canada: Not alone.
as an American, partisanship is going to rise and sabotage will commence. They might kill us off, but we won’t go quietly.
That’s ok as long as the USA government don’t come crying to Europe to help them out because of a massive terrorist attack on their soil, or their getting there arse kicked in some conflict.at least we know USA are now not our allies and trump is a corrupt Russian communist and will make the USA the same good luck America your going to need it🤘
I know it’s not saying much atm, but I’m sure Canada will be with you.
The outright hostility towards Europe from Trump and his press people show this, i mean with their attitude i wouldn’t be surprised if the US joined Russia and attacked Europe together!
Better alone than in bad company…
Canadian here. You’re not alone 😃
It’s interesting – this is a situation in which it seems China did nothing and still came out on top.
EVERYONE IN UK 🇬🇧EUROPE 🇪🇺 BOYCOTT EVERYTHING American & Russian‼️
If this is the case then Europe cannot look weak or divided. The Russians will seize upon this.
When Europe does act tough such as Macron saying we don’t need US help to put French troops in Ukraine, or Starmer organising a coalition, then look out for the telltale signs coming out of Russia. They draw another red line, or get one of their many useful idiots in the US administration to undermine us – Witkoff for example saying it’s all posture.
I cannot see this ending any other way than having European troops fighting in Ukraine – unless Trump and Putin both drop dead. We had an opportunity as a unified NATO to make our point 2 years ago. We didn’t do enough. We took Putin at his word with his thousands of preposterous threats. We now must be prepared as a continent to see this through.
It‘s about trauma and limited beliefs. If we as one world, as all the people, would stand together, invent together, inspire together, we‘d find solutions for everything and we‘d create a better world for everyone.
Every single person, who THINKS (because litterally non feels that way), that we should solve our problems with weapons and separation, supports expressing old WWI/II trauma and make it real again. So each and everyone of us can make a difference and stop thinking in sides and conflict – envision how we can solve and achieve something together 💪
We will help here in Canada.
Why is ferment Poland and others still buying f35 form USA then?
At this point I’ve written off the US as being helpful at all.
The worry is whether Trump will actively help Putin (beyond the massive help he already provided to his favorite autocrat).
US isolationism looks like the best available option right now. But I fear the backstabbing coming.
Russia has smaller population than Bangladesh, smaller economy than Italy, and like two big cities. They’re gonna be rekt so hard
Let’s see how easy USA finds making F-35 fighter jets without components coming the European countries?
Tbh we always knew trump was with putin.
This all feels rigged
The invasion of Ukraine.
Trump … Tariff to try to weaken other nations.
It doesnt sound like a coincidence, but orchestrated plan.
Trump … also like Putin trying to annex other sovereign countries.
Messed up
Trump: The enemy is China! We’ll put tariffs on China!
Also Trump: We want greenland, canada and panama.
Also Trump x2: Tariffs for you, you and you! Tariffs for everybody!
I mean you Europeans still have us Canadians for what it’s worth. We need to stand together
46 comments
(Article)
—
Now we know what it looks like when Russia says no to America.
Donald Trump wanted a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. He threatened Russia with what would happen if they did not agree. “I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire,” he wrote on 7 March. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted the ball was on Russia’s side of the court. “If they say no,” he said, “then we’ll unfortunately know what the impediment is to peace here.”
Well, Russia did say no. It’s not been said out loud in the wake of yesterday’s hours-long phone call between Vladimir Putin and Trump, but that is the inescapable conclusion.
The one meaningful proposal is a ceasefire on energy and infrastructure targets, but that is far below the promise of a full ceasefire which Ukraine agreed to on 11 March. Trump wanted something. He did not get it.
It’s worth casting our minds back to what happened when Ukraine refused to do as it was told by the US administration. On 28 February, Volodymyr Zelensky mildly disagreed with Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the White House. His reward was to be bullied, thrown out and have American support withdrawn.
When Putin rejects Trump’s plans, precisely the opposite happens. The White House readout of the call insisted that “a future with an improved bilateral relationship between the United States and Russia has huge upside”. Far from punishing Russia, it raised the possibility of “enormous economic deals”. The Kremlin’s account said that Trump expressed support for ice hockey games in each other’s countries – basically reintroducing normal sporting relations.
What does this teach us? That Trump will ultimately always side with Putin. Who knows why that’s the case. Perhaps the Russian leader has kompromat on him, an idea which is no sillier than any other explanation. Perhaps they simply get on personally. Or perhaps they recognise that they are engaged in a shared ideological project to dismantle liberal democracy and replace it with global governments of a fascist character.
That, to me, is the most obvious answer, but you can take your pick really. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter. Only the dynamics matter. Trump will side with Putin.
Today, that leaves us with a mutilated ceasefire proposal restricted to energy infrastructure. What a surprise. This is one of Ukraine’s most effective means of attack. Sure, Russia has tried to freeze Ukraine through winter by destroying energy generation and gas production facilities. But Ukraine’s long-range drone attacks on oil refineries have been powerfully effective. Putin has now found a way to neutralise them. If Zelensky complains, he will presumably be treated to the much more brutal response Trump reserves for his side of the dispute.
According to the White House, we’re now apparently going to see the start of “technical negotiations” on the next stages of the ceasefire. Trump has previously said that he wants to discuss “land” and “dividing up certain assets” – none of which would involve Ukrainian participation. The Kremlin talked about establishing US and Russian expert groups – again, with no mention of Ukrainian participation. We are basically watching the US decide which bits of Ukraine’s territory and infrastructure it is going to hand to Russia.
There will be no peace here. We should be clear about that. Peace was never on offer and we are never going to get it – ceasefire or no ceasefire. Russia’s demands and Ukraine’s demands are incompatible. Ukraine’s aim is to exist. Russia’s aim is the eradication of Ukraine. You can’t negotiate your way through that impasse. You can only defeat the aggressor state, or, failing that, wait for its leader to die and hope that the next one is better.
The readouts from yesterday’s phone call make it clear that this situation still stands. Russia is demanding an end to Ukrainian mobilisation, the complete cessation of foreign military assistance and intelligence provision and the “unconditional necessity to remove the initial causes for the crisis” – code for Ukrainian self-determination.
In other words, Putin demands that Ukraine be left defenceless. Stripped first of the Crimea and other territories Russia has seized, barred from defending itself and deprived of the means to do so, it will simply be wiped from the face of the earth.
When you put aside all the noise of the last two weeks, nothing has actually changed. Putin wants to destroy Ukraine. If he succeeds, he will continue to expand Russia’s sphere of influence across Eastern Europe. Trump cannot stand up to him. He is either consciously on his side or so close to it that the two positions are indistinguishable.
Europe therefore faces Russia alone. Any day now, Trump could present Zelensky with a fait accompli deal which it simply cannot accept, because it is so obviously Putin’s initial plan for its dismemberment. If Ukraine were to reject that deal, we could expect Trump to remove US support. This potentially includes the cessation of equipment supplies, intelligence assistance, satellite communication and even European defence supplies bought for donation.
Europe’s task is simple. It is to make sure Ukraine can continue to fight even if the US withdraws all its support. At the moment Europe does not have the capacity to do this in full. It can simply help Ukraine cause Russia maximum pain for every inch of land which it takes. But we can at least use this time efficiently and clear-sightedly.
We can prepare as quickly as possible for when the day is upon us. We can maximise our effort to replace the US even if we cannot immediately accomplish it.
Trump’s theatrics and phone calls change nothing. He is Putin’s ally, not ours. What comes next will be up to Europe, not America.
Trump is KGB’s agent Kraznov.
Meaning, Trump works for Putin.
No surprise
Putin is the one who put your leaders in office though?!? Who else would buy Russian gas while giving aid to Ukraine unless it was guided by Putin himself.
The issue is not that Europe is facing Russia alone – that has been clear for a while now.
The real issue is that the US allies with Russia against Europe, or supports – directly or indirectly – Russia’s interests over Europe’s, for which there are quite a few signs.
The new challenge is a hostile USA, see also the economic (trade) war that it has initiated, in *addition* to a hostile Russia.
Europe has many allies and is not alone, but we shouldn’t kid ourselves – when push comes to shove, it’s up to us to protect our interests. We have to become so strong that we don’t have to fear anyone.
Strong against weak, weak against strong – Trump’s USA
And americans are suprised europeans start to despise them.
Utterly pathetic
I’ve been living in this reality since he was elected. So it’s actually calming to have everyone else agree finally, I’d started to think I was a raging conspiracy theorist.
All the cold war presidents rolling in their graves
It’s time we Europeans got serious about killing Russians.
We give Ukraine everything, absolutely everything. We empty the domestic stockpiles. They can be replaced in time, the military industrial complex will be only too happy to do so. No restrictions on targets other then to avoid mass civilian casualties.
We also need to seriously consider putting boots on the ground. Troops to secure Western Ukraine, major cities and the Belarus border, freeing up Ukrainian units for the frontline.
We pack Ukraine, Poland and the Baltics with every air defense asset we have. Nothing gets through. Nothing.
We escalate, escalate hard.
The reality is Russia has fuck all professional army left. It’s conscripts and drunk officers all the way down. Their armour is next to non existent. Their air assets can and should be destroyed on the ground, Russia’s own air defenses are stretched thin. The Black Sea fleet is currently a non factor, a few well placed anti ship missiles can settle the matter for good.
Now is the time to strike.
When cruise missiles are raining down on Moscow and St. Petersburg watch how fast Putin comes running to the negotiation table. He can either try to hold on to Eastern Ukraine or watch the Motherland get fucked. He doesn’t have the manpower to protect both.
And the thing is the Ukrainians are already planning to do just this. They are already creating domestic long range strategic weapons. We are talking not just UAVs but actual cruise missiles and balstic missiles.
We can just accelerate the timeframe by about a year.
America is a russian vassal state. America is a failed state. The president of America is a russian sock puppet.
Fantastic article.
Russia has a smaller economic output than Germany, France, Italy, The UK. If any of those countries had to go full tilt to help Ukraine VS Russia, Russia would be fucked. The problem is most citizens in the EU would resent having taxes increased or a program cut in order to better fight Russia. Any democracy would have friction in the population for change in the economic status quo. Too many people are just hoping the problem will just go away on its own.
If Europe is alone vs Russia it means Europe gets to tell trump to fuck off when he tries to carve up Ukraine. Europe needs to assert itself more on the world stage and America’s fall must mean a European rise.
We need federal EU. One army, one foreign policy! The rest should be left at country level!
if US is backpaddeling to back its allies, its no problem to send in our army in to Ukraine. why wait? at least give air support.
Let uga booga caveman trump burn himself on his bonfire. We can solve this fast and good.
Why is Europe still not useing frozen Russian assets? Bunch of wankers at the top.
But isn’t Putin just going to start throwing nukes? It’s now or never, it just gets worse if he waits. Who would stop him
Does he need to rename the US “Novaya Rossiya” for Europe to realize?
That’s fine. Just put Europe’s defence before f*cking fishing rights and we can come together to arm ourselves.
Incorrect. I can assure you, Canada will also answer the call, if it comes again.
If the US totally abandons Ukraine, then Europe and Ukraine can still kick Russia’s ass. But if the US becomes Russia’s ally, then we’ll have a serious war on our hands
What I’m really shocked is just Americans sitting there doing nothing as their government codes up to Russia and actively attacks other countries.
The US could threaten war with European or Canadian nations and the most an American citizen would do is say they’re so embarrassed.
I’m so tired of them completely.
Good.
China better future prospect anyways… No reason for Europe to be allied with a failed state
They are effing around and are about to find out!
I seriously think, Europe with its production capacity and its 500 million people market, is somewhat of a half-awake giant. We‘ve sort of accepted the US hegemony in our sphere because it was convenient, and easier. What happens if Europe puts together massive infrastructure investments ultimately remains to be seen, but if we can awaken the old continent from its apathy, we will be fine. The US, that’s picking a lot of fights, that they can most definitely not afford, is a different story!
Article: Europe faces Russia alone.
Canada: Not alone.
as an American, partisanship is going to rise and sabotage will commence. They might kill us off, but we won’t go quietly.
That’s ok as long as the USA government don’t come crying to Europe to help them out because of a massive terrorist attack on their soil, or their getting there arse kicked in some conflict.at least we know USA are now not our allies and trump is a corrupt Russian communist and will make the USA the same good luck America your going to need it🤘
I know it’s not saying much atm, but I’m sure Canada will be with you.
The outright hostility towards Europe from Trump and his press people show this, i mean with their attitude i wouldn’t be surprised if the US joined Russia and attacked Europe together!
Better alone than in bad company…
Canadian here. You’re not alone 😃
It’s interesting – this is a situation in which it seems China did nothing and still came out on top.
EVERYONE IN UK 🇬🇧EUROPE 🇪🇺 BOYCOTT EVERYTHING American & Russian‼️
If this is the case then Europe cannot look weak or divided. The Russians will seize upon this.
When Europe does act tough such as Macron saying we don’t need US help to put French troops in Ukraine, or Starmer organising a coalition, then look out for the telltale signs coming out of Russia. They draw another red line, or get one of their many useful idiots in the US administration to undermine us – Witkoff for example saying it’s all posture.
I cannot see this ending any other way than having European troops fighting in Ukraine – unless Trump and Putin both drop dead. We had an opportunity as a unified NATO to make our point 2 years ago. We didn’t do enough. We took Putin at his word with his thousands of preposterous threats. We now must be prepared as a continent to see this through.
It‘s about trauma and limited beliefs. If we as one world, as all the people, would stand together, invent together, inspire together, we‘d find solutions for everything and we‘d create a better world for everyone.
Every single person, who THINKS (because litterally non feels that way), that we should solve our problems with weapons and separation, supports expressing old WWI/II trauma and make it real again. So each and everyone of us can make a difference and stop thinking in sides and conflict – envision how we can solve and achieve something together 💪
We will help here in Canada.
Why is ferment Poland and others still buying f35 form USA then?
At this point I’ve written off the US as being helpful at all.
The worry is whether Trump will actively help Putin (beyond the massive help he already provided to his favorite autocrat).
US isolationism looks like the best available option right now. But I fear the backstabbing coming.
Russia has smaller population than Bangladesh, smaller economy than Italy, and like two big cities. They’re gonna be rekt so hard
Let’s see how easy USA finds making F-35 fighter jets without components coming the European countries?
Tbh we always knew trump was with putin.
This all feels rigged
The invasion of Ukraine.
Trump … Tariff to try to weaken other nations.
It doesnt sound like a coincidence, but orchestrated plan.
Trump … also like Putin trying to annex other sovereign countries.
Messed up
Trump: The enemy is China! We’ll put tariffs on China!
Also Trump: We want greenland, canada and panama.
Also Trump x2: Tariffs for you, you and you! Tariffs for everybody!
I mean you Europeans still have us Canadians for what it’s worth. We need to stand together
“…Europe faces **together** Russia and USA”
There, I’ve fixed the headline
Comments are closed.