As we await word, either from the White House or the Kremlin, of an agreed date and place for the next meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, bits and pieces of additional information emerge in various news items.

Yesterday, the Washington Post reported that, in the Putin-Trump phone conversation on October 16th, Putin — who instigated the call — reiterated his demand that Ukraine surrender full control of the Donetsk region as a condition for ending the war that Russia began with its invasion of February 24, 2022.

No compromise, no option, no discussion. Just a repetitious insistence that he be awarded something that is not his, in exchange for ceasing to do what he should never have done in the first place . . . and with no guarantee that he will never do it again.

While Trump has not publicly commented on the demand, neither has he categorically rebuffed it. Instead, he wrote on social media on October 17th:

“They [Russia and Ukraine] should stop where they are. Let both claim Victory, let History decide!” [RFE/RL, October 19, 2025.]

Am I mistaken, or does that sound like a man stepping back, finally acknowledging that he has failed to bring about the peace he promised within 24 hours of returning to the White House?

Someone needs to tell Trump that “History” doesn’t decide; it merely records what people have decided, and the after-effects of those decisions.

Stopping “where they are” now would mean giving Putin exactly what he wants: a chunk of Ukrainian territory, and free rein to continue his westward march through Europe.

That is not a peace treaty. That is surrender.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
10/19/25