Sir Keir Starmer is hosting Vlodymir Zelenskyy ahead of Trump's summit with Putin in Akaska, tomorrow. Zelenskyy is feeling left out of the meeting between the two presidents, after all, they will be discussing his country. Discussing the future of Ukraine as a nation-state. Zelenskyy has found support not only from Starmer but from French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Europe is four square behind Ukraine. Ukraine is a European problem after all; Ukraine is on the European continent. Let's face it, if Russia were to break through and capture Western Ukraine, the worry is that Russia would push on, not content with capturing Ukraine. Even though that hasn't happened, thanks to Western backing and sheer Ukrainian tenacity. Russia is pushing on slowly, however. Russia already holds Eastern Ukraine and Crimea.
Sir Keir said, "Britain is ready to increase pressure on Moscow if necessary". In case Russia doesn't cease its aggression and rejects a ceasefire. Trump has also promised "severe consequences" for Russia if it does not alter its behaviour. However, Russia has demands. Trump has spoken of Russia holding onto the land it has captured in any ceasefire deal. Likewise, Ukraine holds onto a sliver of Russian land. Trump also mentioned a land swap. Russia could say, "We will hand back this bit of land if you give us back that sliver of land". However, Russia was trying to push Ukraine out of this small piece of Russia. Whether Russia has been successful in this, I cannot say.
Zelenskyy has warned that allowing Russia to keep parts of Ukraine could be seen as rewarding Russia. Russia captured Crimea in 2014, and no one did anything. Now, Russia holds onto the eastern parts of Ukraine. If such a ceasefire comes about, that leaves parts of Ukraine in Russian hands, which will embolden Russia. It's not just Zelenskyy with worries of Russia being emboldened to start another war and capture more Ukrainian land. All leaders, if they are wise, will be thinking the same thing.
Donald Trump, as he meets Vlad the Invader, will also have to be aware of this. Swapping land or allowing Russia to keep land it has captured is dangerous, as explained. On the other hand, Putin may be satisfied with the outcome of holding Ukrainian land.
However, Putin is a savvy operator. Trump is like Neville Chamberlain in the sense that when Chamberlain met Hitler over Hitler's invasion of parts of Czechoslovakia, now Czechia, Chamberlain declared "Peace in our time". An old movie reel exists where Prime Minister Chamberlain arrives back in Britain fresh from talks with the Fuhrer. As he descends the steps from the aircraft, he waves about a piece of paper describing the peace deal he assumes he has with Hitler. That Hitler would not advance any further into Czech territory.
However, as good-intentioned as Chamberlain was, Hitler had played a blinder. In other words, Hitler had lured Chamberlain into false security. Hitler was contemptuous of Chamberlain and the so-called "Peace in Our Time" deal. He made a fool of Neville Chamberlain as he went back on his word and captured the rest of Czechia together with Slovakia. Chamberlain was made to look a fool and never really recovered politically from that. Later replaced by Winston Churchill in 1940. When Hitler invaded Poland, that kicked off World War II. Neville Chamberlain, however, was given a cabinet post in Churchill's war cabinet. Perhaps a small reprieve for the moustacheioed politician.
So could Trump be another Chamberlain? Hoodwinked by a crafty and intelligent man like Vlad Putin? That certainly is a possibility. Trump wrote a book about deal-making. Is Trump as savvy in the political world as he was in the business world? Although some question that given his business failures.
Sir Keir said he mentioned to Trump that a real and lasting ceasefire must come from the meeting/meetings with Putin. Trump hasn't ruled out Zelenskyy being present in future meetings. Trump had a good relationship with Putin once. However, of late Trump has been frustrated with Putin's lack of interest in a ceasefire. So, what has made Putin meet Trump now? What has Trump offered Putin so that he will meet the president tomorrow?
Both Trump and Putin have huge egos and see themselves as silverback alpha males. If there is a chance of further talks, including Zelenskyy and an eventual ceasefire, both men will want to take something from these talks. Both men will want to show the world and their people that they were the ones who got more out of the deal than the other. How will the macho dynamic of both men affect Zelenskyy? Will he be the piggy in the middle or a real participant, too?
Any deal will have to encompass and promise much. A deal to satisfy the Russians and Ukrainians, and a deal that will make America's image of a real peacebroker on the world stage look good.
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About the Creator
Nicholas Bishop
I am a freelance writer currently writing for Blasting News and HubPages. I mainly write about politics. But have and will cover all subjects when the need arises.
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Why U.S. Stocks Are Being Outdone by the Rest of the World
The U.S. stock market has long been viewed as the gold standard for global investors. From the Nasdaq’s tech giants to the S&P 500’s diversified portfolio, American equities have historically offered high growth and stability. However, recent trends reveal a surprising shift: U.S. stocks are being outperformed by international markets. This phenomenon has raised questions about the future of investing in the United States and the factors behind the global market dynamics. A Historical Perspective For decades, U.S. stocks dominated global markets. The technology boom of the 1990s, the housing and financial markets of the 2000s, and even the post-2008 recovery made American equities a go-to choice for investors seeking growth. The combination of a large, diverse economy, technological innovation, and a relatively stable regulatory environment created an attractive ecosystem for long-term investments. Yet, as global markets evolve, the once seemingly unshakable dominance of U.S. equities is being challenged. Investors are increasingly looking beyond American borders, attracted by emerging market growth, stronger earnings in international companies, and valuations that appear more reasonable than their U.S. counterparts. Economic Factors Driving the Shift Several economic factors explain why U.S. stocks are lagging behind the global market. First, interest rate policies in the United States have played a significant role. The Federal Reserve’s approach to controlling inflation through higher interest rates has increased borrowing costs for companies, potentially slowing down corporate growth. Meanwhile, other countries, particularly in Europe and Asia, have adopted more accommodative policies, allowing their businesses to expand with lower financing costs. Second, inflation trends differ across regions. While U.S. inflation has been stubbornly high, prompting tighter monetary measures, countries like Japan and certain European nations have managed relatively stable price levels. This stability can create a more favorable investment climate, boosting stock performance abroad. Third, valuation disparities are evident. U.S. equities, particularly in the tech sector, remain expensive compared to their international peers. Price-to-earnings ratios in the U.S. are historically high, which can make investors cautious. In contrast, markets in Europe, South Korea, and parts of Southeast Asia offer companies with lower valuations but strong growth potential, attracting capital seeking better returns. Global Growth Opportunities Another reason for the outperformance of global markets is the availability of growth opportunities outside the United States. Emerging markets, such as India, Brazil, and Vietnam, have younger populations, increasing consumer demand, and expanding middle classes. These factors translate into higher revenue potential for companies operating in these regions. Additionally, international companies in industries like renewable energy, industrial manufacturing, and consumer goods are benefiting from government incentives and global demand trends. U.S. markets, dominated by established tech giants, may not see the same explosive growth in sectors where innovation is now flourishing abroad. Currency and Trade Considerations Currency fluctuations also play a role. When the U.S. dollar strengthens, it can hurt multinational companies’ overseas earnings, reducing the attractiveness of U.S. stocks for global investors. Conversely, investors can gain by holding stocks in countries with weaker or stable currencies that enhance returns when converted back to their home currency. Trade dynamics are another factor. Global supply chains are diversifying, with companies increasingly looking outside the United States for manufacturing, sourcing, and market access. Nations that benefit from these shifts see their companies grow faster, boosting stock performance relative to the U.S. Investor Sentiment and Diversification Investor sentiment is shifting as well. After years of focusing heavily on U.S. markets, many investors are now prioritizing diversification to manage risk. The past decade has shown that U.S. stock performance can be volatile, particularly when technology-heavy indices experience corrections. International diversification provides exposure to different economic cycles, geopolitical trends, and industry growth patterns. Institutional investors are increasingly allocating more funds to global equities, further driving performance abroad. Sovereign wealth funds, pension plans, and mutual funds are looking to reduce overreliance on U.S. markets, creating additional demand for international stocks. What This Means for Investors For individual investors, the lesson is clear: global markets offer valuable opportunities that should not be ignored. While U.S. stocks remain important components of any diversified portfolio, overconcentration in domestic equities may limit potential gains. A balanced approach, considering both developed and emerging markets, can provide exposure to sectors and regions experiencing faster growth. Investors should also focus on valuation, economic trends, and sector potential globally. Countries with stable economic policies, technological innovation, and growing consumer markets are likely to outperform in the coming years. While the U.S. market will continue to be influential, the era of uncontested dominance may be coming to an end. Looking Ahead The outperformance of global markets relative to U.S. stocks is not a temporary anomaly—it reflects structural changes in the global economy, corporate growth, and investor behavior. The rise of international tech hubs, expanding middle classes in emerging markets, and regional economic policies are reshaping where returns can be found. For investors willing to think beyond domestic borders, the world offers opportunities that are increasingly hard to ignore. Ultimately, the key takeaway is that diversification is more than a buzzword—it’s a necessity in a world where economic growth is no longer centered solely in the United States. For those looking to maximize returns and manage risk, keeping an eye on global opportunities may be the smartest move in today’s evolving market landscape.
By Muhammad Hassana day ago in The Swamp
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