Foreign Affairs Expert Critiques Trump’s Ukraine Deal as ‘Disgraceful’

In a recent commentary, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Thomas L. Friedman condemned former President Donald Trump for his proposed plan regarding Ukraine, labeling it a “disgrace.” Friedman, who serves as a foreign affairs Opinion columnist for the New York Times, criticized Trump’s motivations, suggesting that they stem from a desire to secure a Nobel Peace Prize, albeit one he would not be proud of.

Friedman characterized Trump’s potential recognition as akin to a “Neville Chamberlain Peace Prize.” He suggested that this title would be awarded to leaders who compromise their values and betray their allies in favor of appeasing aggressive dictators, specifically referencing Vladimir Putin.

According to Friedman, the plan negotiated by Trump, along with advisors Steve Witkoff, Marco Rubio, and Dan Driscoll, would effectively surrender Ukraine to Putin without prior consultation with Ukrainian officials or European allies. He highlighted the urgency of the situation by noting that Ukraine may be pressured to accept these terms by November 28, 2023, coinciding with the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States.

Friedman expressed concern that if Ukraine is compelled to accept this deal, Thanksgiving would transform from an American celebration into a day of recognition for Russian triumphs. He wrote, “It will become a day of thanks that victory in Putin’s savage and misbegotten war against Ukraine’s people… was delivered to Russia not by the superiority of its arms or the virtue of its claims, but by an American administration.”

The foreign affairs expert elaborated that appeasing Putin in this manner might place the entire European Union under his influence. He argued that Trump’s approach sends a troubling message to U.S. allies, indicating that they should avoid provoking Putin, as the United States would abstain from defending their freedom.

Friedman concluded his critique by proposing a new term for diplomatic discussions: “Trumped,” which he defined as being “sold out by an American president, for reasons none of his citizens understand.” He asserted that history would remember those involved in this “disgraceful” deal, warning that their legacy would be one of shame.