A senior political advisor argues Donald Trump should offer Vladimir Putin only symbolic victories whilst demanding complete withdrawal from Ukraine in any potential future negotiations. The strategic analysis emphasises that meaningful concessions would reward aggression and encourage future conflicts, as Metro reports.
The advisor, writing for Metro, outlines a framework where Putin receives ceremonial gestures like joint statements about future cooperation or meaningless titles, whilst gaining no territorial concessions. Trump's reputation as a deal-maker would face its ultimate test in such hypothetical negotiations, requiring strength over compromise.
Symbolic victories strategy
The recommended approach involves packaging hollow victories as substantial wins, according to the Metro analysis. Suggested symbolic gestures include ceremonial titles such as "co-guarantor of peace in Eastern Europe", staged photo opportunities, and promises of future economic cooperation that carry no real substance.
Historical precedents from Germany in 1939 and Russia's 2014 Crimea annexation demonstrate how territorial appeasement ultimately fails to prevent further expansion. The advisor warns that any land concessions would reward the very aggression that must be opposed, as the analysis notes.
Territorial red lines
Complete withdrawal from Ukrainian territories including Donetsk and Luhansk represents the only acceptable outcome, the Metro piece argues. These regions are described as illegally occupied Ukrainian territories whose populations have endured years of violence and displacement under Russian control.
The human cost includes over 100,000 Ukrainian deaths and 20,000 abducted children, according to the advisor's assessment. The UK's unwavering support throughout the conflict demonstrates the importance of maintaining allied solidarity against aggression.
Military escalation alternatives
If diplomatic efforts fail, the advisor recommends direct military intervention including British ground forces and coordinated European action. This represents a significant escalation from current weapons supply arrangements, involving boots on the ground rather than equipment alone.
The analysis concludes that forcing Ukraine into territorial concessions would make the international community less secure. Such outcomes could encourage other authoritarian regimes and guarantee future conflicts within a decade, potentially closer to Western Europe, as Metro reports.
Sources used: "Metro" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
