Zelenskyy: “Trump Is Demanding That I Surrender to Putin” Finally, the moment has come when we can stop pretending to be diplomatically polite, carefully choosing our words, and acting as though we are dealing with some sophisticated peace negotiations rather than the blatant coercion of a victim into surrender. For the first time, Zelenskyy has said out loud what many have long suspected: according to him, the Trump administration is taking steps that are forcing Ukraine to surrender to Russia. “I don't want to think that our American partners believe it is possible to end the war faster at Ukraine's expense. But that is exactly what it looks like.” Trump is demanding capitulation! Pay attention to that last sentence. No hysteria, no diplomatic scandal, not even an accusation. Just a statement of fact from a man who has spent far too long trying to convince himself that his ally really is an ally. And indeed, a rather interesting picture is emerging. Russia bombs Ukrainian cities, while Washington demands that Kyiv stop striking Russian oil refineries. Ukraine purchases American missiles for its Patriot air defense systems, but according to Zelenskyy, deliveries are being delayed. Restrictions on satellite communications are emerging, making it significantly more difficult for Ukrainian troops to conduct military operations. And all of this is accompanied by endless talk about peace. What kind of peace, gentlemen? Imagine a robber breaking into your home, murdering your loved ones, setting your bedroom on fire, and then a police officer arriving at the scene. But instead of arresting the criminal, the officer demands that you immediately put down your gun because the shooting is disturbing the neighbors' sleep. And, as a friendly gesture, he promises to help the robber get more gasoline. That, in my opinion, is exactly what American diplomacy looks like today. Trump loves to repeat that he wants to stop the bloodshed. A wonderful desire. Yet somehow, almost all his demands are directed at the country defending itself, while the man who unleashed the largest European war of our time is offered negotiations, economic concessions, and yet another opportunity to bargain. There is one inconvenient detail for Trump here. Zelenskyy cannot sign Ukraine's capitulation for the simple reason that Ukraine does not belong to him. It is not a hotel that can be sold together with its guests, nor a golf course that can be handed over to creditors to settle debts. Behind this country stand millions of people who have buried their loved ones, lost their homes, endured occupation, torture, and Russian prisons. Trump can put as much pressure on Zelenskyy as he wants. But forcing Ukrainians to voluntarily recognize Russia's right to determine their fate is an entirely different matter. The most disgusting part of this story is not even the pressure on Ukraine itself, but the attempt to present capitulation as a great humanitarian achievement for which humanity should thank the American president. Putin demands Ukrainian land. Trump demands peace. And Ukrainians are expected to pay the price for both demands. You know, history has seen deals like this before. They were usually signed by people who were absolutely convinced that someone else would have to pay the price. And every single time, there was some solemn gentleman announcing that he had finally brought peace to Europe. The only difference is that this time, Ukraine is still holding its weapons. And it has no intention of laying them down. © Valeriy Bochkov