

Victor Davis Hanson: Trump’s Message to Putin: You Blew It.
4 snips Jun 2, 2025
Victor Davis Hanson dives into the escalating Ukraine conflict and Trump’s unconventional approach. He argues that Trump's strategy centers on 'peace through strength' rather than appeasement. Hanson critiques Putin’s miscalculations and suggests that the Russian leader still has an opportunity to negotiate a more favorable outcome. The discussion highlights the historical context of U.S.-Russia relations and the potential consequences of continued aggression for future diplomacy.
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Trump's Peace Through Strength Signal
- Donald Trump signaled willingness to negotiate peace with Putin based on strength, not appeasement.
- Putin's recent escalation shows he is rejecting this chance, revealing he prefers war.
Putin's Need to Justify War
- Putin must justify massive Russian losses and show tangible gains in Ukraine to domestic power players.
- He escalates war hoping to gain concessions despite huge casualties and limited battlefield success.
Putin Misreads Trump's Resolve
- Putin misreads Trump as unpredictable but strong and able to unify support for Ukraine aid.
- Escalating war will only strengthen Trump's MAGA coalition and sustain support for Ukraine.