When it comes to Donald Trump’s efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, the president has failed — repeatedly. The Republican’s Plan A for the war in Ukraine was ending the conflict within 24 hours by way of a secret strategy he assured voters was real. When it became obvious that this strategy didn’t actually exist, Trump moved on to Plan B: He told Russia that if it failed to end the conflict quickly, the White House “would have no other choice” but to impose new economic sanctions.
When Vladimir Putin ignored the threats, and Trump failed to follow through, the American president floated Plan C (international economic penalties designed to force a ceasefire), Plan D (Trump-backed bilateral talks between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy), Plan E (bilateral talks between Trump and Putin) and Plan F (White House passivity).
As the Russian military’s assault intensifies, is Trump finally prepared to try a more effective approach? He’ll apparently let the world know — in a couple of weeks. NBC News reported:
Trump suggested in comments in the Oval Office [on Wednesday afternoon] that he’ll decide in the next two weeks on how he will deal with Russia’s handling of peace talks with Ukraine. Asked whether he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to end the war in Ukraine, Trump told reporters: ‘I can’t tell you that, but I’ll let you know in about two weeks. Within two weeks, we’re going to find out very soon.”
It’s hard not to wonder whether Trump realizes just how frequently he’s relied on the unintentionally amusing “two weeks” pitch.
By now, most observers are probably familiar with how the game is played: The Republican is asked for his position on an issue; he dodges the question by saying he’ll make an announcement “in two weeks”; and then he waits for everyone to forget about his self-imposed deadline.
Where’s Trump’s health care plan? It’ll be ready in “two weeks.” What about a possible minimum-wage increase? That, too, will be unveiled in “two weeks.” On everything from tax policy to infrastructure, immigration to reproductive health, the president’s detailed solutions are always just “two weeks” away.
It’s possible that this time will be different. Perhaps, by the second week in June, the White House will make a dramatic announcement about a bold new U.S. policy toward Russia, which will have a meaningful impact on the devastating war in Ukraine.
But recent history suggests no one should hold their breath. As for developments in Moscow, Reuters, relying on multiple Russian sources, reported that Putin’s conditions for ending the war in Ukraine “include a demand that Western leaders pledge in writing to stop enlarging NATO eastwards.” Of course, given that it’s Putin’s fault that NATO has added new members in the first place, his apparent condition appears to be a reminder of his own failed strategy. This post updates our related earlier coverage.
Steve Benen is a producer for "The Rachel Maddow Show," the editor of MaddowBlog and an MS NOW political contributor. He's also the bestselling author of "Ministry of Truth: Democracy, Reality, and the Republicans' War on the Recent Past."
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