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There’s a new sheriff in town, ladies and gents, one who doesn’t take well to international bullies — and one of those bullies has already changed his tune. Or at least Russian strongman Vladimir Putin wants the world (and President Donald Trump) to think he has.
SpeakingofpeacewithUkraine,PutinsaidinthehoursimmediatelyfollowingTrump’sswearing-in:“Thegoalshouldnotbeatemporaryceasefire,ashort-termpauseforregroupingforcesandrearmingtocontinuetheconflictlater,butalastingpeacebasedonrespectforthelegitimateinterestsofallpeopleandnationslivingintheregion.”
Thoseworsedon’texactlyjibewithPutin’sBiden-eradismissalsofUkraine’ssovereigntyandrighttoexistasanindependentnation.
Famously—orperhapsinfamously,dependingonwhoyouask—TrumpclaimstohavekeptthepeaceduringhisfirstadministrationbywarningPutin,“We’regonnahitMoscow”ifheinvadedUkraine.Trumplatertoldhisgolfingbuddy,JohnDaly,thatPutin“sortofbelievedme,like5%,10%,”but“that’sallyouneed.”
Oncethebullet
