After a deep sleep, the wind has shifted.
On the early morning of March 8, Trump suddenly announced: Due to the fact that during the negotiations, "Russia icon is still attacking Ukraine icon, I am seriously considering large-scale sanctions and tariff increases to force Moscow to ceasefire and reach a final peace agreement."
Recently, Trump has frequently shown goodwill towards Russia, hoping to move Putin icon. 1) Initiate U.S.-Russia talks; 2) Restore ambassadorial diplomacy; 3) Support Russia at the UN; 4) Suspend aid to Ukraine; 5) Abandon European icon allies; 6) Lift sanctions on Russia.
But unexpectedly, Putin does not trust him. Because Trump wants Russia to "return part of Ukraine's territory," this touches Putin's sore spot and negotiation bottom line. Historically, Russia has never given back an inch of land once taken.
Putin's lukewarm response, combined with the fact that this not only abandons Ukraine but also offends Europe, and he cannot explain it to voters—having vowed to end the war. Thus, Trump gradually lost patience and issued a serious warning to Russia to vent his dissatisfaction.
With a Zelensky icon still not "settled," the idea of "subduing" Putin is even more far-fetched. But a confident Trump has already patted his chest in front of the world, as if he has no way out and can only proceed step by step with determination.
