The Zelenskyy Gambit

Yesterday there was an announcement of a meeting between Zelenskyy and President Trump to sign some sort of deal whereby the US would get some economic benefit/access to/profits from Ukrainian rare earths and other commodities. Since there was a scheduled press conference and signing ceremony, one presumes that all the i's had been dotted and t's crossed. But at the press conference, Zellensky appears to have tried to extract some sort of additional security guarantees from the US. Maybe this works with other heads of state... in public with the cameras on, Zelenskyy could maneuver someone into agreeing to additional items that he couldn't get in private. But if that was the gambit, it devolved into chaos with Trump & Vance. They wanted none of it, and now it appears that whatever deal there was going to be is off. Good for Trump & Vance. Don't ever get played.

I disagree with the Trump policy on Ukraine. In general, I don't give a hoot about Ukraine. I care not whether Zelenskyy is a traditional democrat or a dictator. It makes no difference to me. BUT... I perceive Russia to be as big a threat as China, and if the Ukrainians are willing to fight, I'm OK with funding them. But I think that the deal-that-almost-was... as I understand it... seemed to be genius. It provided economic benefits to the US, getting us back some of our money and providing a disincentive to Putin to continue his aggressive stance. I know it wasn't everything Zelenskyy wanted. But it seems like it gave Zelenskyy lots of what he wanted without formally getting security assurances. Too bad he overplayed his hand. He forgot the old Reaganism... If somebody offers you half a loaf... TAKE IT!