Trump Blinks. Putin in a Bad Spot.

Ukraine has bought Europe 30 days. Make it count

Professor Phillips P. O’Brien shared his thoughts on the U.S.-Ukraine agreement, noting that “Ukraine proved it’s always better not to grovel, apologize, or appear desperate when dealing with Trump. He cut their aid, facilitated the deaths of their people, and yet they kept fighting with their heads held high. In the end, they made him look cruel — and he blinked”.

At first glance, this take might seem surprising, given how the Trump administration is framing the agreement as a breakthrough.

But let’s rewind.

During the Oval Office meeting, Trump and J.D. Vance pressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, insisting Ukraine had no leverage. The discussion turned confrontational when Zelensky kept pushing for security guarantees, knowing that Putin would inevitably break any ceasefire — that’s what he does, and that’s what he will do.

Zelensky refused to sign a minerals deal without those guarantees. He challenged the Trump administration’s position on live TV, something leaders obsessed with Fox News soundbites weren’t prepared for. They expected deference, not defiance. The meeting abruptly ended. Ukrainians were shown the door.