Ukraine is going to be rendered into a colony. It didn’t have to be this way. The world could’ve pushed for a resolution at the first sign of a mutual hurting stalemate, which was like 6 months into a war. But since it would’ve required some territorial concession, Washington’s brilliant minds decided it better to pretend we were still in the unipolar moment. Now, Ukraine’s people are going to be forced to eat shit or fight without US support—a predictable nightmare.

Well the biggest argument against Zelensky being a dictator is that he has no real power or authority because he's head of a puppet government. Was Petain a real dictator? All the nominal trappings of power, the absolutism and repression, but where is the authority truly vested? Caesar's rule belonged to Caesar alone.

Zelensky isn't a dictator. he isn't just authorized to discuss or authorize any peace agreement about Ukraine's territorial integrity. He could capitulate but he can't surrender any part of Ukraine to anyone. You need elections to have someone who's got the mandate of the people NOW to negotiate. The world was very different 3 years ago. That's what a democracy means btw.

This post was edited by babun1024 on Feb 19 2025 12:02pm

Fair point. If one assumes that Zelensky is not the person making the decisions, he's not a dictator.

I'd ask exactly what evidence there is that he's not the man at the helm? I see evidence that he will alter his decisions based on the wants of those who provide funding and weapons, but not overly much.

This post was edited by InsaneBobb on Feb 19 2025 12:09pm

There you go

Zelenskyy claims that his approval rating has risen to 57%, while Trump insists it is at 4%.

So it looks like Russia has said to the US that they are happy to negotiate a peace deal but they dont acknowledge any legitimacy in Zelensky. This looks to be a personal dig by Putin against Zelensky, who previously wrote into Ukrainian law that there would be no negotiation with Putin. Very Russian response indeed (tit for tat).
So the Russians and the US want "free" elections in Ukraine whatever that even means. As I understand things, Donald is in agreement, with his view being that Zelensky is part of the problem, not part of the solution. Zelensky for his part is playing the same role, which is in effect ostracizing him from the US. He seems not capable to adapt. Zelensky's days as a useful idiot appear to be over. Donald seems to not care who gets elected in Ukraine (which suggests a pro-russian or at the very least neutral government).

England is saying they can send troops to Ukraine but again, like Zelensky they look to be completely out of touch with reality. Russia has said a big no to Nato troops in any guise in Ukraine but are open to an international body (south american / asian / whatever). Most european leaders are floundering while they repeat the narrative of Russia invaded, russia to blame.

meanwhile the usual racists are spouting the same whiny cries about orc's (rolls eyes).

Seems to me the terms of a temporary ceasefire are outlined in your post:

Fighting stops, Ukraine holds an election. If Zelensky wins, he's legitimate, and Putin has to deal with him. Zelensky loses? Putin deals with the legitimate, and new leader of Ukraine.

Honestly, that sounds incredibly reasonable to me, given that Ukraine is dealing from a position of weakness.

It's just revenge for Russiagate and 2020. He has a bone to pick with these people, but Zelensky and co. still act like Biden, or his handlers, are in charge.

Yes, don't forget the sham impeachment based on his perfectly fine phone call asking to investigate Burisma corruption. Vindman is a traitor to the USA who instead had loyalty to the corrupt Ukraine regime.

These same people victimized Trump. He has the right now to destroy them for it

This post was edited by El1te on Feb 19 2025 12:50pm