Trump's Russia Tango: A Perplexing Waltz with Putin, According to Former VP Quayle

A Cold War Echo in a Hot Conflict

Ah the grand tapestry of international relations! It's a complex web isn't it? Here we find ourselves observing the echoes of the Cold War reverberating in the current crisis in Ukraine. Dan Quayle once Vice President during those formative years finds himself in a rather peculiar position. He has witnessed the shaping of a post Soviet world and now he watches with growing concern as events unfold. It's rather like watching a particularly dramatic nature documentary except instead of lions and gazelles we have presidents and prime ministers. "We are not approaching the end," he says with a tone of certainty that would make a seasoned explorer nod in agreement. It seems Putin like a particularly stubborn badger has no intention of backing down until he's thoroughly dismantled Ukraine. A rather grim prospect wouldn't you agree?

Trump's Affinity: A Mystery Wrapped in an Enigma

And then there's the curious case of Mr. Trump. Quayle a man who has cast his ballot for Trump thrice confesses to being utterly baffled by his 'affinity for Putin'. It is a truly strange phenomenon rather like a penguin developing a fondness for the South Pole's harshest blizzards. He questions the lack of demands the absence of leverage. "All he wants to do as president is deals... So if you're a dealmaker what do you need? Leverage. What leverage is he trying to put on Putin? Zero. Absolutely zero," Quayle remarks his voice laced with a bewilderment that mirrors my own when I encounter a particularly perplexing mating ritual in the wild. It seems a strategy is missing or perhaps dare I say a great incompetence.

The Art of the Deal (Or Lack Thereof)

Trump in his characteristic all caps pronouncements on Truth Social expresses hope for a ceasefire. A sentiment as welcome as a sudden downpour in the Sahara but just as likely to materialize it seems. "HOPEFULLY IT WILL BE A PRODUCTIVE DAY A CEASEFIRE WILL TAKE PLACE AND THIS VERY VIOLENT WAR A WAR THAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED WILL END!" A noble ambition certainly but as Quayle points out Putin seems less interested in peace and more interested in shall we say 'dismantling'. It's a classic case of one side wanting to talk while the other wants to conquer. Rather like a determined cuckoo pushing other fledglings out of the nest wouldn't you say?

Undermining the Alliance: A Rug Pulled Too Soon?

Quayle raises a crucial point: Trump's approach undermines the U.S. alliance with the European Union. The promise of secondary sanctions a tool meant to apply pressure is seemingly abandoned in favor of simply 'talking'. "Putin said let's talk and Trump says yes and European leaders just had the rug pulled out from under them," Quayle observes. It's a diplomatic faux pas of the highest order like scaring off a rare bird with a clumsy footstep. The unity of the alliance so vital in these turbulent times hangs precariously in the balance. It's as perilous as the edge of a cliff.

The Russian Playbook: A Dismantling Masterclass

According to Quayle Putin's strategy is clear: dismantle Ukraine. And he believes that Putin has been remarkably successful with Trump exploiting vulnerabilities with the skill of a seasoned KGB operative. One could say that Putin has watched carefully at Trump as one would watch a leopard's behavior trying to predict its next move. Money to Ukraine more weapons and secondary sanctions. These according to Quayle are the keys to bringing Putin to the table. Alas he doesn't believe it will happen. "It's not what he believes he doesn't want to do anything substantial to bring pressure or leverage on Putin," Quayle laments. A situation as frustrating as trying to photograph a chameleon on a tartan rug.

Tariffs and Taiwan: A Tangled Web

And then there are the tariffs. "You call that a strategy?" Quayle asks his tone dripping with incredulity. He also points out China is watching Ukraine carefully because of Taiwan. "Looking at the situation in Ukraine and watching how Russia avoids these sanctions and Russia is doing a good job of it. China is watching that. Xi Jinping is looking at that," Quayle said. As for Trump's legacy? "You inherited this war but it is on your watch and if he completely walks away from Ukraine which I don't think he will but he might there will be a significant political price," Quayle warns. In the grand theatre of global politics it is quite a drama indeed isn't it? A drama with potentially grave consequences for us all. And as always we can only watch observe and hope that those in power make wise decisions decisions that will protect the delicate balance of our planet and its inhabitants. On we go.