Deck of cards diplomacy – a losing hand for Ukraine

At Friday’s White House debacle, Trump, as he berated Zelenskyy, told him he just didn’t have the cards to negotiate. So, the dealer will be Trump who will shuffle them and deal.

This game is rigged and Zelenskyy will be dealt a losing hand as will much of Western democracy. The clues are Trump’s refusal to ever be critical of Putin and accusing Zelenskyy, whose war-ravaged country was invaded and still fighting for survival, of having such hatred for Putin that making a peace deal will be difficult. Perhaps some projection as Trump’s intense dislike of Zelenskyy has been obvious since the famous telephone call resulting in Trump’s first impeachment. A bit of Trump’s revenge and retribution tour?

Trump began negotiations for ending the war by talking to Putin first and holding the first meeting without Ukraine. Then the U.S. voted against a UN resolution condemning Russia for their unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Lastly, manipulating a meeting to make Zelenskyy the villain.

The dealer just showed his diabolical and callous cards, signaling a losing hand for Ukraine.

— Christine DeLapp, Aptos

US becoming a ‘traitor nation’ with tilt to Russia

Last week, the United States, together with just a handful of other countries voted against a United Nations Resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Few American’s would have thought their government would ever vote alongside the likes of North Korea, Syria, Hungry and Belarus in lending support to Russia’s war of aggression against another sovereign state. It has now happened. The United States government surrendered and is in the process of abandoning an ally that simply seeks democratic self-rule and freedom from Russian domination.

The current administration has capitulated to Russia’s military and political objectives and Putin’s concept of a new world order, rendering the once proud United States, a traitor nation.

— Rick Hofstetter, Santa Cruz

‘Disgusted’ with how Zelenskyy was treated

I am disgusted with Trump and Vance’s performance towards the President of Ukraine, Zelenskyy. He deserved their respect. He has fought against Putin’s cruel invasion of his country. And that media person who added to the fray by demanding to know why Zelenskyy wasn’t wearing a suit ... but Musk can show up in a t-shirt and baseball cap and not be questioned.

Mr. Zelenskyy - the way people treat you is a statement about who they are as human beings. It’s not a statement about you. God bless Ukraine!

— Martha Dolciamore, Soquel

‘Embarrassed to admit that I am an American’

After Friday’s fiasco in the White House I am embarrassed to admit that I am an American. Never dreamed that I would say that. However I’m so “proud “ of President Zelenskyy for not signing that bogus precious mineral deal without a security guarantee. I wish we could do a Go Fund Me deal for Ukraine. If Ukraine goes down - Europe is next. How short sighted.

Is this what you want MAGA nation?

— Pat Duncan, Aptos

What Democrats should do to respond to Trump

1) Support making the last day of every month a day to avoid buying from billionaires.

2) Encourage everyone to send the following email message to any/all Republican Senators: “Have You No Shame?”

— Johanna Bowen, Santa Cruz