Your Independent Journal from the Heartland
The war in Ukraine is about Putin demonstrating he’s a tough guy who can conquer Ukraine and threaten Europe. Trump wants to be a tough guy, too. Trump has the advantage of being president of the world’s most powerful country, while Putin heads a second-rate player.
But Trump and his team, especially SecDef Hegseth, fear losing more than they crave winning. So when Russia gains some territory in Ukraine, Hegseth withholds critical munitions to “help Ukraine fail faster to get it over with.”
Trump needs to understand that giving Ukraine enough of our best weapons can demote Putin and show the world that Trump is the BIG CAHUNA. This is not Afghanistan, the Ukrainian army is stalwart and dedicated to fight the Russians. But Trump and Hegseth are showing the world they are wimps who scurry away when steely resolve is required.
BRUCE JOFFE, Piedmont, Calif.
