Trump Offers Tough Love for Ukraine, Needs to Call Putin's Bluff

By Matthew Dubas

Ukraine needs to brace itself for a period of "tough love" from the White House and tighter financial aid cuts, but it should take comfort in the warm relations with a friendly Congress. U.S. constituents continue to inform and work with our elected officials, as this work is not only for the benefit of Ukraine, but  ought to be led or at least in coordination with the U.S. for promoting peace and security throughout the world.

On the military front, Ukraine has committed allies in Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia, as well as Poland and Slovakia. Hungary is gravitating toward Moscow, as are Moldova and Bulgaria after recent elections brought pro-Moscow candidates to power. 

A lot of uncertainty with Trump, but that is an element that may throw Putin off his game. 

Putin's demonstration of force in the Mediterranean Sea with a parade of his fleet, is showing the true state of Russia's military and it is hopelessly failing at projecting power as its lone aircraft carrier is towed while billowing black smoke, and one of its latest MIG jets crashes into the sea. 

Should Trump expose this reality and reveal Russia's military vulnerability, Putin will be forced to react, perhaps with nukes as that is all that he really has that he uses to threaten the world (or the world genuinely fears). Many have equated the standoff to a game of chess or chicken, and Putin's bluff will need to be called by Trump. If the bluff is not called, then the world will become a less safe place for everyone. 

Matthew Dubas is editor of the nationally-distributed publication The Ukrainian Weekly. The newspaper is also distributed throughout Canada and serves as a major source of news and information for the Ukrainian community in America and abroad. He has reported on many of the country’s political and social conflicts and worked with ambassadors, politicians, policy advisors, activists and scholars on a range of issues concerning Ukraine. The views expressed by Mr. Dubas do not necessarily reflect those of the publication's management or editorial staff.