Do Trump’s Lines in the Sand Mean Anything?

Blustering threats to Putin over Ukraine are reminiscent of Obama’s Syria failure.

Trump sits on an upholstered chair in the Oval Office, leaning forward slightly as he rests his hands on his knees. Rutte sits in a matching chair next to him, his hand on his chin. Vice President J.D. Vance and others sit on a sofa to the right, microphones on poles hanging over their heads. August 4, 2025, 5:22 PM Comment icon View Comments ( )

Russia’s War in Ukraine

Understanding the conflict three years on.

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U.S. President Donald Trump has given Russian President Vladimir Putin a very clear ultimatum: agree to a cease-fire in Ukraine by Aug. 8 or face harsher economic sanctions—including “secondary tariffs” of up to 100 perc

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