WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch Donald Trump Serious About Helping Ukraine Win Against Russia?
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Sep 25, 2025 Jillian Melcher, a journalist with firsthand experience from Ukraine's eastern front, discusses the evolving dynamics of the Ukraine conflict. She breaks down Trump's recent shift in rhetoric regarding Ukraine's chances against Russia. Melcher highlights the challenges of personal diplomacy with Putin, emphasizing ideological motivations behind the Russian aggression. Her insights shed light on battlefield conditions, Ukrainian resilience, and the implications of NATO's deterrence strategy amidst ongoing air incursions.
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Trump's Unexpected Rhetorical Pivot
- Donald Trump publicly shifted to say Ukraine can win and Russia is struggling economically.
- The change marks a clearer stance that Ukrainian victory matters to Western interests.
Match Rhetoric With Concrete Policy
- If Trump is serious, he must pair rhetoric with concrete policy like sanctions or weapon transfers.
- Kate Batchelder-Odell stresses he needs specific actions to back tougher statements.
Limits Of Personal Diplomacy With Putin
- Trump has historically overestimated the power of personal diplomacy with Putin.
- Paul Gigot argues this belief has repeatedly failed to produce strategic breakthroughs.