## A Shift in Strategy: Urgency and Resolve in Addressing the Ukraine Conflict
Former President Donald Trump recently posted on Truth Social, “Vladimir, STOP! 5,000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the peace deal DONE.” This seemingly simple plea echoed unsettlingly with a moment from earlier in Joe Biden’s presidency, recalling the perceived weakness of his response to Vladimir Putin’s veiled threats regarding nuclear or chemical weapons.
During a 60 Minutes interview in September 2022, President Biden had responded to such threats with a hesitant, “Don’t. Don’t. Don’t. It would change the face of war unlike anything since World War II.” This response was followed by what many saw as a stagnation in strategic planning and a missed opportunity to capitalize on battlefield momentum for Ukraine.
Currently, negotiations are underway, exploring complex exchanges such as Crimea for control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, alongside efforts to secure a sustainable economic future for Ukraine. However, a single demand—”Vladimir, STOP”—is unlikely to yield meaningful progress.
Trump’s past displays of forceful negotiation offer a contrasting approach. He’s previously used strong language – threatening “all hell to pay” against Hamas which ultimately led to a ceasefire and hostage release. Similarly, he has repeatedly asserted his willingness to confront Iran over its nuclear ambitions. As he stated recently, “If we don’t make a deal, I’ll be leading the pack.”
Instead of a single plea, perhaps a more impactful message would involve conveying unwavering resolve: “My fellow Americans, I am pleased to tell you today that I have signed legislation which will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in 5 minutes.” This sentiment reflects a boldness reminiscent of President Ronald Reagan.
During a sound check in 1984, Reagan jokingly announced this very scenario, eliciting laughter from the audience. However, as a seasoned performer and astute political strategist, Reagan understood that even seemingly off-the-record moments held weight. He was already accelerating military production and initiating initiatives like the Strategic Defense Initiative – sending a clear signal to the Soviet Union.
Reagan’s approach provides valuable insight. Both Trump and Biden have arguably overemphasized Putin’s nuclear threats, overlooking their limitations. The use of such weapons by Russia would inevitably result in radioactive fallout within its own borders. Furthermore, China has already cautioned Putin against escalating the nuclear rhetoric, given Russia’s dependence on Chinese oil revenue and advanced microelectronics.
Reagan skillfully engaged with General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev, securing arms control agreements through firm negotiation. He also avoided simplistic pronouncements, instead employing humor or articulating broader pathways forward – most famously in his iconic 1987 Berlin Wall speech: “Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”
Trump appears to be nearing a potential agreement and now requires unwavering firmness. His appeals to shared historical experiences—specifically the US-Russian alliance during World War II – may resonate with Putin, whose mother survived the siege of Leningrad but tragically lost her young son during that devastating period.
Rather than a vague warning, Trump should convey a direct consequence: “There will be ‘all hell to pay’ if Special Envoy Steve Witkoff doesn’t return from Moscow satisfied.” This statement must then be backed by tangible actions. The leverage lies in tightening oil sanctions or withdrawing financial incentives reportedly being offered behind the scenes.
Consider these additional steps:
- A Truth Social post formally granting Ukraine immediate NATO membership
- The deployment of nuclear-capable F-35 fighter jets to Ukraine for training exercises.
Such actions would undoubtedly unsettle Putin, who continues to launch attacks on Ukrainian civilians – a display intended to showcase his military capabilities (however limited), intimidate European allies, and maintain support among the Russian populace despite their awareness of his questionable conduct.
The time has come for Trump to confront Putin with both forceful language and credible consequences: bolstered NATO military support for Ukraine or a complete severance of economic ties that would force Russia to shed its dependence on China. As Reagan famously quipped, “We begin bombing Crimea in 5 minutes.”
